Sanford Community Mourns 22-Year-Old La-Don Ja’Quan Williams After Tragic Shooting Incident

SANFORD, FL (November 1, 2025) — The city of Sanford is reeling from heartbreak after the tragic passing of La-Don Ja’Quan Williams, a 22-year-old whose life was cut short in what police have described as a senseless act of violence. The incident, which took place late Friday evening in a residential area near Goldsboro, has shaken both family members and neighbors, leaving many searching for answers and justice.

According to the Sanford Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of W. 13th Street shortly after 10:45 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a young man lying near the roadway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics immediately began lifesaving measures before transporting him to Central Florida Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim was soon identified as La-Don Ja’Quan Williams, a Sanford native known for his vibrant personality, loyalty to family, and determination to create a better life for himself.

Police reports indicate that witnesses heard a brief argument prior to the shooting, followed by several gunshots. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived, and detectives have since launched an active investigation. While authorities have not yet named a suspect, they believe the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing dispute, though no motive has been confirmed.

La-Don Williams, affectionately known to friends as “Don Don,” grew up in Sanford and graduated from Seminole High School. Those who knew him best describe him as hardworking, funny, and protective of those he cared about. Friends say he loved music, cars, and spending time with his close-knit group of friends and family. His mother, speaking through tears, described her son as “a young man with a big heart who always tried to make everyone smile.”

Family members gathered at the scene on Saturday morning, still in disbelief that their loved one’s life had ended so suddenly. Many left candles, balloons, and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial that now marks the area where the tragedy occurred. “He didn’t deserve this,” one family friend said. “He had dreams and plans. He just wanted to do right and take care of his family.”

The Sanford Police Department has urged the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspect. In a statement released to the media, Police Chief Cecil Smith emphasized the department’s commitment to finding justice for Williams and ensuring that violence does not continue to plague the community. “We cannot let another young life be lost without accountability,” he said. “If anyone saw or heard something that night, please do the right thing and speak up.”

The loss of La-Don Ja’Quan Williams has resonated deeply throughout Sanford, particularly in the Goldsboro neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest and most historic communities. Community leaders have called for unity and peace, stressing the need for support systems and programs to help prevent further violence among youth. A local pastor from New Life Missionary Baptist Church described Williams’s passing as “a heartbreaking reminder that every act of violence leaves ripples of pain that stretch far beyond the victim.”

In the coming days, Williams’s family is expected to announce funeral arrangements and a candlelight vigil to celebrate his life. Friends plan to gather at Fort Mellon Park, where La-Don often spent weekends with loved ones, to share memories and honor the light he brought into their lives.

For his family, the pain is immeasurable. His mother and siblings are now left grappling with grief while pleading for justice. “We just want answers,” his mother said softly. “We want whoever did this to know that they didn’t just take one life—they broke a whole family.”

As Sanford mourns the loss of yet another young life, residents continue to rally around the Williams family, offering prayers, donations, and love. The tragedy of La-Don Ja’Quan Williams serves as both a devastating loss and a call for change—one that reminds the community of the urgent need to end the cycle of violence and protect its youth.

Though his time was cut short, those who knew La-Don say his memory will live on through his laughter, kindness, and the love he shared with everyone around him. In Sanford, his name will not be forgotten.