Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting

Seminole County Sheriff's detectives are investigating a fatal early morning shooting, following a traffic dispute in unincorporated Longwood.

Just before 1:00 a.m. deputies responded to a reported shooting in the 1700 block of Rutledge Road. Detectives determined that two motorists, both armed with handguns, became involved in a verbal dispute following a traffic-related incident near the entrance of the decedent’s subdivision, Mandarin Estates.

According to detectives, the decedent pointed his firearm at the shooter. The shooter then pointed his own weapon and fired multiple rounds. The decedent was pronounced dead at the scene. His firearm was located in the roadway. The Decedent’s name is being withheld pending family notification.  

Both individuals had a legitimate reason for being in the subdivision at the time of the incident. The shooter immediately called 911, remained on scene, and has been cooperative with the investigation. After questioning, the shooter was released under provisions of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. The State Attorney’s Office for the 18^th Judicial Circuit is not filing charges at this time.   

Seminole County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to canvass the neighborhood, seeking any available surveillance or camera footage that may have captured the incident or events leading up to it.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at (407)665-6650 or call Crimeline at (800)423-TIPS.

Public Information Administrator Bob Kealing 

BKealing@seminolesheriff.org

(407) 473-4698

Manager Kim Cannaday

KCannaday@seminolesheriff.org