August 1, 2012 — (Pine Hills, FL) — Hope for Danielle

Good to see the community come together in unity to pray for 15-year-old Danielle Sampson, who was in her family’s vehicle Sunday evening when they were caught in a crossfire. She is an innocent bystander  fighting for her life and the community is fighting for the arrest of the person or persons involved with the shooting on last Sunday and for crime prevention efforts in the immediate community.

The prayer vigil, sponsored by Greater Orlando CARES, was held on the lawn of the Well of Hope Church on Indian Hill Road, Pastor DaRon W. Dixon. Prayers were lifted for Danielle’s family, fellow Apopka High School basketball team members, friends and administrators, as well as the community.

Dressed in blue attire, more than a hundred people, showed up for the event which started around 7 p.m. They released blue balloons in the sky for Danielle, who remained in critical condition at a hospital minutes away. Organizers say blue is her favorite color. Her parents have been at her side since the incident, according to Baje Fletcher, Danielle’s sister who spoke at the prayer vigil.

Amid the prayers, tears, challenges and chants was some good news from Orlando-based Attorney Dan Newlin: He upped the reward from $1,000 to $25,000 for the first tip to CrimeLine that leads to the arrest of the people (or person) responsible for the shooting on last Sunday evening on North Lane.

Let’s go Pine Hills: If you saw what happened or have information about the incident, please call Crimeline at (407) 423-TIPS (8477). Also, mark your calendars for October 6, when Orlando CARES plans its next event on crime prevention in the community.

© Orlando Community News, 2012