Reports: Former Florida high school football standouts involved in homicide incident

The Sanford Police Department has made multiple arrests in connection to a homicide incident involving two former Florida high school football standouts. The tragic incident that occurred during the holiday season saw the killing of a former University High School player, Terrance Pope, in a suspected robbery.

Another former Florida high school football star, Khalil Hunter, has been arrested in connection with the killing. Hunter, a former Sanford Seminole High football player, was arrested on suspicion of robbery with a firearm, WESH 2 News - Orlando reports. The report further adds that Hunter is also suspected of first-degree felony murder.

The 23-year-old is not the only suspect in the case. Other suspects are Shunavious Dorsey, aged 22, and James Nelson, also 22. The three are accused in connection with the fatal shooting of the 21-year-old Pope. The shooting allegedly took place on Dec. 17 in the parking lot of a Best Buy store in Sanford.

Reports indicate that the victim spoke with one of the suspects. He reportedly agreed to meet with them at Best Buy to discuss the purchase of certain items. The intended robbery of Pope by the assailants resulted in his death.

Pope and Hunter's records in Florida high school football

Terrance Pope was a standout defensive back as a high school star at University High, racking up more than 70 tackles before going on to college. He attended Davenport University, a private school in Michigan, where he played for three years. He was included on the football roster of Los Angeles Pierce College in 2024.

Pope’s former coach, Brian Kells, expressed his sadness at the news of his death, recalling the former Florida high school football star with fondness. He said:

“I am extremely saddened to hear of the death of my former football player, Terrance Pope. Terrance was a hard worker on the football field with a great personality. My prayers go out to his family.”

Khalil Hunter was equally a force in the Florida high school football scene as a player. He played under former Seminole coach Eric Lodge, helping the team have an undefeated season with a 12-0 record in 2020. He made 50 tackles and was instrumental in the team’s Class 8A state title triumph in 2020.

He played college football for Southeastern University in 2022, suiting up in nine games. He made 15 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.

Sanford police are still looking for another suspect in connection to the case and have offered a $5000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest.