The Ocala Police Department is actively investigating the New Year’s Day shooting that left two men dead and four others wounded, and a cash reward of up to $9,500 is being offered to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
On January 1, in the early morning hours, a crowd of around 100 people was gathered near the 1600 block of SW 5th Street in Ocala. At approximately 4:30 a.m., shots were fired in the area, and two men – D’amonta Harris (30) and Abdul Hakeem Van Croskey (24) – sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Four additional victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to an undisclosed location for medical treatment. They were all listed in stable condition.
“The deadly shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day in Ocala has left many devastated, especially the family and friends of D’amonta Harris and Abdul Hakeem Van Croskey, who tragically lost their lives,” stated the Ocala Police Department on its Facebook page. “Help us hold those responsible for this terrible act accountable and work toward justice for grieving loved ones.”
Crime Stoppers of Marion County is offering a maximum reward of $3,000 for information about the murder of D’amonta Harris and Abdul Hakeem Van Croskey. In addition, an enhanced reward of up to $6,500 is available through the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, in partnership with the Florida Office of Attorney General.
The additional reward funding is available now through June 30, and the anonymous tip must come through the Crime Stoppers program to be eligible for the additional funds.
If anyone has information on this fatal shooting, the Ocala Police Department asks that you call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867).