On August 6, 2023, a series of events led to the deaths of two individuals in Lake Wales, Florida. The first incident occurred around 8 p.m. at the Lake Wales Housing Authority Grove Manor complex, specifically at 303 N. First Street Apartment B. Here, witnesses entered an apartment and found 23-year-old Rhasaan Marquese Johnson suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite being taken to Advent Health Lake Wales, Johnson was pronounced dead.
During the initial investigation, witnesses reported seeing Kendrick J. Akins, 24, in the apartment before he left the area shortly after their arrival. Akins was identified as a person of interest in Johnson's shooting, and detectives began searching for him.
Later that night, around 11:45 p.m., detectives received a tip that Akins was walking near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Sessoms Avenue. As they searched for him, they heard multiple gunshots and ran towards the source. There, they found Akins lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite rendering aid, Akins died from his injuries at the scene.
Police indicated that the second shooting appeared to be retaliatory, given the connection between Akins and Johnson, who both knew each other and were from Lake Wales. There is currently no known motive for the first shooting.
A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in the second shooting, which resulted in Akins' death. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department or Heartland Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward.
