‘He was so loved:’ Winter Garden neighborhood mourns man killed in shooting after card game, police say

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – A man is dead following a late-night shooting at a Winter Garden home, police said.

Around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a home on Bethune Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Sharif Simmons, 49, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in front of the residence.

Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said the shooting appears to have been targeted. Simmons and others inside the home had been engaged in a card game prior to the shooting.

No one is in custody. Police said they are actively looking for a suspect.

For neighbors like Yvette Kemp, the sound of gunfire was the first indication something was terribly wrong.

“At first, I thought it was firecrackers, and I was like, ‘Who is shooting firecrackers at this time of night?’”

Kemp later learned the victim was Simmons — someone she says was deeply loved.

“I couldn’t even go to sleep. That’s how loved Sharif was. He was a very loving guy.”

The morning after the shooting, investigators returned to the neighborhood, canvassing the area for surveillance video and witnesses as they worked to determine exactly what happened.

Police say the shooting occurred in front of the residence.

Simmons’ mother also spoke with News 6 over the phone, remembering her son as well-mannered, well-known and, most importantly, loved by the people around him.

Friends and family have also been sharing memories of Simmons on social media, remembering him as a friend, brother, uncle and mentor — and as someone who made a difference in the lives of others.

Kemp says she had seen Simmons just a week before his death.

“I saw him last week. He was with the love of his life, and he was so happy. And at the table, we were joking and having fun.”

Now, those who knew Simmons are left grieving while investigators search for his killer.

Kemp says the violence is especially painful for residents who have seen tragedy strike the neighborhood before.

“It’s too much for Bethune Avenue to keep on having tragedy after tragedy. 10 years ago someone got killed right there, and then 10 years later someone got killed outside the same way. Our neighborhood doesn’t deserve that.”

Kemp says she hopes whoever is responsible is held accountable.

Police say they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community. Still, Simmons’ family, friends and neighbors are hoping answers come soon.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Winter Garden police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kevin Burger at 407-656-3636, ext. 6320, or Sgt. Dave Clarke at 407-656-3636, ext. 4092.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crimeline at 800-423-8477.