SANFORD, Fla. — Channel 9 spoke with a Sanford teen who is still recovering after being shot in the head during a drive-by shooting. Sanford police released new video of the April 2024 shooting in hopes of gaining a breakthrough in the case.
Layla Bennett said she’s been mad that no one’s been arrested. She mentioned that her anger subsided when she realized her recovery was more important. However, now, with new evidence—she has hope her case will be closed.
Newly-released video shows bullets flying from a red SUV driving down Scott Drive on April 29 of last year. The footage reveals a gunman hanging out of the back driver-side window, holding what appears to be some type of rifle.
“I don’t remember anything. I only know what other people were saying. So, to see it and know that they were right,” Layla Bennett said.
Bennett said she hopes the new evidence will help lead investigators to an arrest.
“Hopefully, the footage will help. But, only hope,” said Bennett.
Bennett was shot in the head in a drive-by. The video shows her for a split second by the black car on the street. Another teen was also hit. Bennett says her recovery has been miraculous. She’s set to graduate from high school this month.
“It’s one in a million I think or something like that. It’s not common at all. Those things, you’re dead instantly,” said Bennett.
Police also released video showing three suspects exiting the red SUV at a Sanford apartment. Police, along with Bennett, hope it’s the key to the answers they’ve been seeking for the past year.
“I’ll get my justice one day,” said Bennett.
Police said they believe there were four suspects in the SUV during the drive-by shooting.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477).
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