TAMARAC, FL – A tragic incident has struck Tamarac, Florida as a 3-year-old girl was fatally shot at an Extended Stay America hotel on Saturday. The Sheriff’s department responded to the scene, and two individuals associated with a U-Haul truck were initially detained in Lauderhill due to their suspected connection with the incident but have since been released.
Upon receiving the initial report around 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, deputies arrived at the scene where they discovered De’Yonnie Cleveland, the victim. The girl’s mother had reportedly called Connie Hafley, the child’s aunt, shortly after the shooting took place. Paramedics later confirmed the grim news of the toddler’s untimely death.
A hotel resident, who chose to remain anonymous, shared additional insight about the horrifying event. The resident described a chaotic scene following the gunshot, and they recalled witnessing the mother crying out for her lost child. They also reported seeing a white U-Haul leaving the scene thereafter.
Currently, information regarding the circumstances that led to the devastating incident in Room 206 and the death of the little girl remains lacking. Hafley expressed her distress over the incident and her desire for answers, amid the varying accounts of the incident.
The local Sheriff’s office encourages anyone with potential critical information connected to the incident to contact Broward Crime Stoppers with tips.