Juveniles Charged in Connection to Lauderdale Lakes Teen Homicide

Photo for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byAlbert StoynovonUnsplash

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a shooting that left 16-year-old Amari Dreakford dead and another 15-year-old male injured in Lauderdale Lakes, according to the official press release sent out this morning.

The incident occurred on the evening of May 20, 2024, when Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to a call near the 4000 block of Northwest 30th Terrace. Upon arrival, deputies found two teens suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to nearby hospitals, where Dreakford was pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center. The second victim survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

BSO Homicide detectives discovered that Dreakford, along with two 16-year-old males, had been driven to the location by 18-year-old Clovenson Alexandre. Detectives believe the purpose of the meeting was for Dreakford to conduct a gun sale with a 15-year-old boy. However, Dreakford attempted to rob the 15-year-old, leading to a confrontation. During the altercation, one of the 15-year-old’s friends, who was nearby, shot Dreakford.

All individuals involved in the incident fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Through their investigation, detectives identified Alexandre and the two 16-year-olds, and arrest warrants were issued. On August 26, BSO’s Violent Intervention Proactive Enforcement Response (V.I.P.E.R.) unit arrested Alexandre and the two teens on charges of armed robbery related to the events that led to Dreakford’s death and the injury of the 15-year-old.

Detectives are continuing to work with the Broward State Attorney’s Office as the case progresses.