PPD: shooting related to 2011 killing

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Pensacola Police say the shots fired into a home on West Jackson Street may have been done in retaliation for the 2011 killing of a teenager.

Authorities say Rufus Abrams, 22, is now behind bars, suspected of being the shooter in the August 8 incident. Investigators say Abrams is suspected of firing dozens of shots while numerous people were inside and outside of the home.

Abrams is charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and six counts of aggravated assault.

Police are still looking into his motive, but they say it may be connected to the death of Abram's 17-year-old cousin Keondrick Abrams.

James Dortch, 20, and Novel Austin Jr., 20, are charged with shooting Keondrick Abrams to death in December of 2011. Authorities say the murder may have incited conflict between the families of Keondrick Abrams and the suspects.

"This was very significant because it's hopeful that this will curb some of the activity that is occurring between the two families," said Captain David Alexander with the Pensacola Police Department.

Tuesday's shooting is just the latest in a recent rash of shootings that has prompted local, state and federal authorities to put together their Gun Crime Response Team to investigate gun related crimes in Escambia County.

RELATED: Escambia County cracks down on gun crime

"It's a major stepping stone and it reminds us that working as a team is very important. If the community is involved it makes fighting crime and administrating justice a much smoother process," Alexander said.

Meanwhile, police are still investigating and say more arrests may be coming.