ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County deputies on Monday identified two men who were killed in separate shootings that happened days apart at the same Apopka home, adding that they believe the incidents were not random.
The first shooting that occurred at 520 W. Ella J. Gilmore St. happened at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, killing 40-year-old Altonio Dunston, according to a news release. Then around 10:50 p.m. Saturday, Maurice Bridges, 42, was shot at the same residence and died after being taken to an area hospital.
Those shootings marked the second and third in the area after 19-year-old Ahmad Alonzo Davis was found fatally shot Tuesday on Old Apopka Road, which is less than two miles from Ella J. Gilmore Street. Markese Mosely McNeil has been arrested in connection with the case after he helped dump Davis’ body on the West Orange Trail, according to the affidavit.
Deputies said Monday that they believe the three shootings were “targeted acts of violence.” They have increased patrols in the area and have a law enforcement saturation plan in place.
News 6 spoke with the mother of Dunston’s child Monday. She’s still trying to make sense of tragedy.
“That’s what hurts the most. They didn’t think when they pulled that trigger, they didn’t think about his kids,” Lily Salazar said.
Investigators said Bridges was shot at the same Apopka home days later. Neighbor Jamia Rudolph said the shooting happened while Dunston’s family and friends were having a fish fry to raise money for his funeral.
“Our top priority is the safety of our residents, and we would implore members of the community who know anything at all about the violent crimes to come forward, or to anonymously call Crimeline with any tips,” deputies said in a news release.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, there were eight homicides in Apopka last year.
Deputies haven’t released a motive for the shootings at the home on Ella J. Gilmore Street or said if the incidents are connected.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.