Lawan Christopher Burns, 22, was shot dead at the basketball courts on Fred Conner Street in Avon Park on January 21, 2023. Deputies from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office were called about 12:53 a.m. after reports of an injured man and found Burns deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating and has not publicly identified a suspect or announced an arrest. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact them; anonymous tips can be submitted through the HCSO app, Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS, or online at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com, with eligible cash rewards up to $9,500.

Did anyone see activity near the Fred Conner Street courts that night or have information that could help identify who was responsible?