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Man found fatally shot at his Orlando home, police say

Homicide investigation underway

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police say a man was found fatally shot at his home Tuesday morning and now a homicide investigation is underway.

Ernest Peterson, 50, was found at his home on Pleasant Valley Court at about 7:50 a.m. and was already dead by the time officers arrived.

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Police said a crime scene was established and an investigation is in its early stages. Suspect information was not immediately available.

Kevin Wilson said he’s the victim’s best friend. He said they grew up together in Fort Pierce.

“He was a good person. He loved fishing, we were brought up on that,” Wilson said. “I’m hurting really bad about it because I’ve known him for 35 years.”

Wilson said Peterson had a few medical issues and was recently released from the hospital. He wants answers about what happened.

“I knew he was sick, he’s got all of the health problems, but to have somebody call and say he’s dead by gunshot, it’s not normal,” Wilson said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

Check back for more updates on this developing story.