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Family identifies teen fatally shot in Lake Park

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A family member said a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot Tuesday morning at 595 Silver Beach Rd. in Lake Park.

The family member identified the victim as Claverle Joseph, an 11th grade student at Palm Beach Gardens High who was on his way to the bus for school.

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Investigators have not yet confirmed the name or age of the victim.

The shooting occurred around 6:30 a.m. just west of Broadway.

“We heard gunshots . I think everybody in the community heard the gunshots. I counted 5 gunshots,” said neighbor Deborah Overstreet.  “I went across the street. That’s when I saw the young man slumped over on his bicycle and he was just lying there.”

Chopper 5 flew over the scene shortly after 6:45 a.m., and there was a heavy police presence.

When deputies arrived, they said the victim was pronounced dead at scene by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

Family members said Joseph was shot about two weeks ago in the hand, and he came home bleeding. He said he wouldn't tell them what happened, only that someone was after him.

Joseph’s mother says her son had some trouble recently including suspensions at school and—according to her count—this was the third time  someone shot at him.  “Last Thursdy somebody come and shoot. I  hear pop, pop, pop. He say, ‘mom somebody try to kill me.’  I say ‘who?’ “

Palm Beach Gardens High Principal Larry Clawson said grief counselors were at the school working with students.

No motive or suspect information has been released in Tuesday's shooting.  

Stay with WPTV.com and NewsChannel 5 for updates.

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