Man Shot To Death In DeLand; Suspect Facing 1st-Degree Murder Charge

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DeLand, FL - Update: According to the VCSO, the victim is "Trevin Taylor." Not Trevon Taylor, as previously reported. The shooting occurred after an argument over a lighter.

The VCSO reports, based on witness accounts, Lopez and the gunshot victim rode with a driver to the Royal Gas Station in DeLand to purchase beer. As they went in the store, Lopez took a baseball bat from the vehicle and harassed the clerk inside. As they were walking back to the vehicle, Taylor and Lopez got into an argument over a cigarette lighter that resulted in Lopez striking Taylor in the face with the bat and causing a minor injury to Taylor’s face.

After stopping at a residence to drink beer and use cocaine, Lopez, Taylor and the unidentified driver went to Taylor’s residence. As they got out of the vehicle, Lopez and Taylor got into another argument and the driver attempted to calm the situation. But witnesses say Lopez pulled a handgun from his waist and shot Taylor in the head. Taylor died in front of his residence.

The driver ran to the vehicle and fled home. Deputies later confronted that person, who was taken in for questioning and later released. It is believed Lopez fled on foot.

A woman, who was with her children in her vehicle and stopped at the intersection of Walts and Parsons Avenue, saw Lopez running down the street. He pointed the gun at her and continued to run. Lopez was captured with the assistance of Volusia County deputies near the intersection of Spring Garden and Talton Avenue.

“I’d like to commend our officers and Volusia County deputies for finding the suspect and getting him off the street,” said Acting Police Chief Randel Henderson. “Killers have no place in our society. This was a senseless act of violence that we will make sure does not go unpunished.”

Lopez is being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail without bail.

Photo courtesy of DaytonaMugshots.com.

Update: The suspect in Thursday's fatal shooting in DeLand has been charged with 1st-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm.

Juan Lopez, 18, was brought to the Volusia County Jail. Officials say there are no other suspects in the case at this time. There were conflicting reports about a getaway driver, but investigators believe Lopez fled on foot.

Update: The suspect in a shooting that took place in DeLand Thursday, March 9, is now in custody and a possible firearm has been found. One man is dead.

According to the DeLand Police Department, the suspect has been identified as Juan Lopez, 18, DeLand.

Police responded at 1:46 PM to the 300 block of  Walts Avenue, where Trevon Taylor, 30, had been shot dead. He died at the scene. Volusia Sheriff's deputies assisted DeLand Police officers in apprehending the suspect.

Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

More information as it becomes available.

Earlier reporting:

Police officers are investigating a shooting that occurred this afternoon in DeLand.

The shooting happened in the vicinity of Parsons and Walts Avenues around 2 PM.

One person is confirmed dead.

This is a developing story.

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