In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of Sanford, Florida, two women have been charged in the shooting death of Lauren Ashley Martin, a 34-year-old photographer. The confrontation, which unfolded outside a residence, not only resulted in a life lost but was also live-streamed on social media, adding another layer of horror to the unfolding tragedy.
Arrests and Charges
On Friday, Sanford police confirmed the arrests of Lakevia Davonna Pringle, 31, and Savon Chantay Tyler, 35, in connection with Martin’s death. Both women face serious charges after the incident escalated beyond a verbal disagreement and ended in violence. Tyler, identified as the alleged shooter, has been charged with first-degree homicide, while Pringle faces a charge of principal to first-degree premeditated homicide.
The Incident Unfolds
According to police, the altercation occurred outside Tyler's residence in Sanford, a city located about 25 miles northeast of Orlando. Just after 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, officers arrived at the scene to find Martin lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite being transported to a nearby hospital, Martin succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and friends in grief and disbelief.
Police statements revealed that the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Martin and Tyler. According to Martin’s family, the disagreement was related to photographs taken by Martin, which reportedly triggered a heated exchange between the two women. Upon arriving at Tyler’s residence, the confrontation escalated from a verbal argument to a physical altercation, during which Tyler allegedly shot Martin multiple times.
A Live-Streamed Tragedy
In a disturbing twist, police disclosed that Pringle was present at the scene and live-streamed the altercation on social media. Throughout the live stream, Pringle could be heard encouraging Tyler to continue, which ultimately contributed to the tragic outcome. Despite police efforts to interview her, Pringle reportedly showed little cooperation until Friday, when she turned herself in after a warrant was issued.
Pringle was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, where she now faces serious charges for her alleged role in the incident.
Community Impact and Police Response
The shocking nature of this incident has left the Sanford community reeling. In a statement, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith expressed sorrow over the senseless violence that led to Martin’s death, emphasizing the need to choose nonviolent means to resolve conflicts.
"A family is mourning the loss of a loved one because someone chose to resolve a disagreement with violence," Smith said. "What started the argument between these two won’t be remembered, but the loss of Lauren will forever be with her family and friends. There are choices other than violence."
About Sanford
Sanford, a city with approximately 65,000 residents, is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Area. Known for its historic charm and close-knit community, the city has been left stunned by this incident. The tragic events have brought renewed attention to issues of violence and the impact of social media in escalating conflicts.
As the investigation continues, this case serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of unresolved disputes and the dangers of publicizing volatile situations online. Martin’s family and friends now face the difficult task of mourning a life taken far too soon, while the community reflects on ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.