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Seven critical after Florida spring break shooting

By Amy R. Connolly

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., March 28 (UPI) -- A spring break party turned violent early Saturday, when a gunman opened fire near a home, leaving seven people, including several Alabama A&M University students, critically injured.

Investigators said at least one of the victims was shot in the head and others were hit multiple times. They were all taken to local hospitals.

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David Jamichael Daniels, 22, of Mobile, Alabama, was arrested in connection with the shooting. He is being held at the Bay County Jail. It is unclear what connection Daniels has to the victims.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office said deputies "responded to the chaotic scene to find seven shooting victims." They said they found a .40-caliber pistol near the scene.

"Three victims were found in the home, one in front of the house, one in the median of Thomas Drive, and two across the street from the home," the sheriff's office said.

The victims from Mobile, Ala., were identified as Kearria Freed, 20, shot in the head; Tykeria Ethridge, 22, shot in the neck and shoulder; and Henton Franklin, 22, shot in the side. The other victims are Anesia Powell, 20, shot in the left arm, chest, and knee; Devanta Moore, 21, shot in the chest; Jacole Young, 22, shot in the back three times; and Kelli Curry, 21, shot in the leg.

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"This is what we've been trying to warn people about," Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen told the Panama City News Herald. "It's been a rough time and there are two completely different elements of spring break. There are the college kids who are here for their spring break, and there is the group of people drawn here because of them."

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