Homicide

the victim was killed was roped off with red crimescene tape. There were four grills and one beat-up bike in the side yard.

The shooting comes two days after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released its annual crime report that showed crime dipped slightly in Lake Worth in 2016, compared to the previous year.

The city reported 2,388 crimes in 2016, down from 2,465 in 2015.

While the number of murders increased 43 percent from 7 to 10, the city saw declines in the number of reported rapes, robberies, burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle theft.

On North F Street, residents, many of whom are from Central America, paint a picture of a neighborhood that has its share of issues. Perez said many people often hang outside drinking. One resident was seen picking up several crushed empty beer cans and putting them into a plastic garbage bag.

Gomez said the neighborhood is also known for peo- ple selling and buying marijuana.

“There’s too much of that,” he said.

Christophe said his 2008 Honda Odyssey recently was stolen. He got it back, though.

“I don’t feel safe around here anymore,” Christophe said.

Perez, who came home from church a few hours before the fatal shooting, said she doesn’t feel that way.

“I’m not afraid,” she said, defiantly shaking her head. “If you do the right thing, God will protect you.”