Security Guard Kills Man in Wheelchair at Banquet Hall Party

Authorities say the guard shot the victim after he tried to enter a birthday celebration.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered wheelchair wheel hub against a pitch-black background, conveying the violence and tragedy of the event through the twisted metal and broken spokes.The aftermath of a deadly confrontation between a security guard and a disabled man exposes the need for better de-escalation training and protocols.Sunrise Today

A security guard at a banquet hall in Sunrise, Florida shot and killed a man in a wheelchair who tried to enter a birthday party taking place inside the venue. The victim, identified as Kendrick English, was 'permanently confined to a wheelchair' and allegedly swore at the guard, 26-year-old Francisco Navarro Sanchez, before Sanchez opened fire. Sanchez was arrested and denied bond on a first-degree murder charge.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with the victim's friends and family expressing heartbreak over the shooting of a disabled man. It raises questions about the use of force by private security guards and whether proper de-escalation protocols were followed.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred early Sunday morning outside the Five Stars Banquet Hall in Sunrise. A birthday party was taking place inside the hall when Kendrick English, who was in a wheelchair, tried to enter. Security guard Francisco Navarro Sanchez turned him away, but English later returned and allegedly swore at Sanchez. Sanchez then opened fire, killing English.

  • The shooting happened early Sunday morning (April 13, 2026).
  • Sanchez appeared in court on Monday (April 14, 2026) and was denied bond on a first-degree murder charge.

The players

Kendrick English

A man who was 'permanently confined to a wheelchair' and was killed by a security guard after trying to enter a birthday party.

Francisco Navarro Sanchez

A 26-year-old security guard who shot and killed Kendrick English after the victim allegedly swore at him.

Five Stars Banquet Hall

The venue in Sunrise, Florida where the shooting took place during a birthday party.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge's decision to deny Sanchez bond on the first-degree murder charge will be a key development in the case going forward.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for improved training and de-escalation protocols for private security guards, as well as a broader examination of the use of force against individuals with disabilities.