Alachua Police Department investigating homicide near Copeland Park

Press release from Alachua Police Department

The Alachua Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning on NW 126th Terrace near Research Drive.

At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 10, officers were on-scene in the area due to a large amount of people attending an unauthorized block party near the entrance to Copeland Park. While attempting to manage and disperse the large crowd, officers heard multiple rounds of gunfire. Officers made their way through the crowd to the area where shots were heard and observed a male victim sitting in a white Honda who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Officers immediately began treating the victim using their trauma kits until Alachua County Fire Rescue responded. The victim, Kionne Atkins, DOB 2/14/02 of Gainesville was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, as well as officers from the Gainesville Police Department and the High Springs Police Department, assisted in dispersing the large crowd.

No information about the suspect or motive is known at this time; however, detectives with the Alachua Police Department continue to sift through evidence and follow up on leads.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further information can be released at this time. Updates will be made as more information becomes available.

If anyone has any information related to this homicide, they are asked to call the Alachua Police Department at 386-462-1396 or remain anonymous by calling Alachua County Crime Stoppers at 352- 372-STOP.