FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Three-year-old Rylo Yancy was killed at his relative’s birthday party after a drive-by shooting Sunday afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale. Now, the community is banding together to find those responsible for his death.
Yancy was at his relative’s Sesame Street-themed birthday party when gunfire was heard at the Riverland Park & Pool. Police have located one of the vehicles involved but have made no arrests, according to the Miami Herald.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis urged anyone with information to come forward during a press conference held Wednesday morning.
“If we do not stand together, folks, we will all fail,” Trantalis said at the conference.
Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz said they are following leads but need community assistance. Broward Crime Stoppers is offering $10,000 for any information that could lead to an arrest.
“Everything is a possibility and is open at this point because all the investigations are ongoing,” Schultz said at the press conference. “If you know anything, please do not be afraid to come forward.”
“He brought peace and happiness to a household that was upside down,” Yancy’s grandfather Jerrold Pough told the Miami Herald. “Even now, he’s still bringing us together. God knew he was too good for this world.”
Yancy’s death comes weeks after 28-year-old Tiarra Holliday was killed in a drive-by shooting in Fort Lauderdale, and her two-year-old son was injured. No identifying information about the suspects was released, but police found the silver car used in the shooting abandoned after the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477, the Homicide Tipline at 954-828-6677 or 911.