Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. — A festive mood turned tragic in a Lauderdale Lakes gated community on Thursday when a dispute over loud music resulted in the death of a 72-year-old grandfather. Hureleyon McLean was shot by his neighbor in the Somerset Drive apartments just after 3:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Broward County Sheriff’s Office reported.
According to authorities, the dispute began when the neighbor, who resides in the unit beneath McLean’s apartment, complained about the loudness of McLean’s music. McLean approached his neighbor to discuss the grievance, leading to a heated argument that escalated with the neighbor drawing a firearm and shooting McLean.
Rose McLean, the widow of the deceased, recalled the moment she realized something was amiss. She described hearing the solitary gunshot and then rushing to find her husband fatally wounded outside their home. Despite the gravity of the situation, she claimed that the shooter displayed no remorse and even threatened her life when she confronted him.
The suspect, who reportedly admitted to the shooting, remained at the scene and was detained by law enforcement. He has since claimed that he acted in self-defense. The incident is currently under investigation, and the case is expected to be forwarded to the Broward County State Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.
McLean, remembered by his community as a private bus driver and a loving family man, leaves behind his wife, two sons, and grandchildren. The family, along with friends and fellow church members, formed a prayer circle outside the apartment complex, led by McLean’s pastor, Tracy McCloud.
Pastor McCloud expressed dismay at the incident, lamenting the modern disregard for life and pondering how a celebration could turn so devastatingly tragic. As the community reels from the shock, the grieving family continues to seek justice for McLean, whose life was abruptly ended in what should have been a time of thanksgiving and joy.
This event has drawn attention to the broader issue of neighborly disputes escalating into violence, sparking discussions on community relations and safety protocols within residential areas. As residents and officials look for ways to prevent such tragedies in the future, the McLean family hopes for a resolution that will bring them peace and closure.