Multiple shooting victims found dead at Sarasota home: Officials

No survivors in Sarasota shooting

Several people are dead after a shooting inside a gated community in Sarasota. FOX 13’s Blake DeVine reports. 

SARASOTA, Fla. - Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies have been in and out of the home for well over nine hours following a deadly shooting inside the Amberlea gated community on Tuesday.

On Tuesday night, neighbors across the upscale Sarasota neighborhood said they were in shock, stunned that something so violent could happen in an area where crime is rare.

The backstory:

The sound of gunshots sent shockwaves through the community just before 12:30 p.m., when multiple 911 calls came in reporting several shots fired inside a home on Fallcrest Circle.

David Hannon, who lives across the street, said he immediately sensed something was wrong.

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"I heard 5 distinct sounds and I recognized as gunshots. Five seconds after that, I heard three more, which sounded like they were outside," Hannon said.

Not long after, the neighborhood was filled with flashing lights and sirens.

"I heard law enforcement from every direction converging on the neighborhood," Hannon said.

When first responders arrived, deputies discovered several people dead inside the home. Investigators said a weapon was recovered at the scene, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there were no survivors.

"We do have multiple victims in the house, and our crime scene forensics team is in there now," said Matt Binkley with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

The home remained blocked off with crime scene tape Tuesday evening as detectives spent hours collecting evidence. Nearby neighbors watched in disbelief.

"Shocked, really, because this area, I mean, look the neighborhood. It's a beautiful neighborhood. So, something like that kind of crazy," neighbor Bill Castle said.

Back at his home, Hannon said his heart is heavy thinking about the lives lost.

"If you feel like you are going to hurt yourself or your family, get help. Ask for help, man. Don’t kill innocent people," Hannon said.

What we don't know:

The sheriff’s office has not yet released an exact number of shooting victims.

Investigators said they are continuing to identify those killed and notify their loved ones.