Second deadly Springfield shooting in two days: Victim ‘got along good with everybody in the neighborhood’

Springfield Police Division Sgt. James Byron declined to share if the shooting was targeted or random, citing an active investigation. He said at a press conference that officers are working “around the clock” on the investigation.

“Gun violence obviously is a problem nationwide, but it has particularly picked up here,” Byron said. “We ask for the public’s cooperation in all these investigations.”

Dee Flack, a neighbor, said she was in bed when she heard six to eight gunshots, and when she came outside on York Street, a woman was screaming, saying that her significant other had been shot.

Flack said police officers came to the area to search for evidence, finding shell casings and blood on the back of her car.

“These people were real nice,” Flack said. “They were friendly, got along good with everybody in the neighborhood.”

One 911 caller told dispatchers there were three or four guys shooting.

“I (hear) gunshots and I don’t know what’s going on,” the caller said through tears.

Another said she watched her neighbor, Minter, run as shots were fired before collapsing.

Byron said the area gets “extra patrols from the police department” for other crimes but gun violence is “not an everyday thing” in the neighborhood.

As of 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, there were no suspects, according to the report.

“Of course, the community should be concerned whenever we have a homicide, and we’ve had two in three days,” Byron said. “We have not made an arrest in either case; the investigation is ongoing. Our ultimate goal is to bring justice to the families of these victims in both cases.”

It is the second homicide of the week in Springfield and eighth of the year. In 2022, there were eight homicides for the whole year, and there were nine in 2021.

Police officers found Rakeem Ford, 32, near North Limestone Street with several gunshot wounds to his legs and abdomen around 12:12 a.m. Monday. Ford was transported to Mercy Health - Springfield, where he died.

Police had responded to North Spring Street and East North Street regarding a traffic accident and gunshots heard in the area. Ford was found in a parking lot near 150 N. Limestone St., the Springfield post office.

Byron said police are investigating if there is a link between the two shootings this week.

Anyone with information on either crime should contact the police division, Byron said. Those who have tips can call 937-324-7680.