ORLANDO, Fla. – An altercation on I-4 Tuesday night in Orange County led to a car passenger being shot and killed, and deputies need help finding the suspected shooter.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said John-John Villafane, 53, was the passenger in a blue sedan traveling eastbound on I-4 between Osceola Parkway and State Road 528 when he was shot by someone in another blue vehicle between 6:45 p.m. and 7:25 p.m. Deputies said Villafane was taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital around 8 p.m., where he was pronounced dead.
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According to deputies, the driver of the sedan said there was some type of altercation with a person in the other blue vehicle, and someone in the other car shot and killed Villafane. Deputies haven’t told us if the victim was the intended target or what the altercation was about.
Neighbors told News 6 Villafane was a good man who loved his family. The victim’s family told News 6 they’re asking for privacy during this tough time.
The only information deputies have about the suspect is that it was dark-skinned male in a blue sedan.
Deputies say there were no shots fired or reckless driver calls between 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night. They believe this is an isolated incident.
Deputies said anyone who witnessed the shooting or knows anything about it should call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Crimeline is also offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 if anyone can help them with information that can lead to an arrest. You can remain anonymous.
It’s not the first time we’ve reported on gunfire on Interstate 4 in the past few months.
Last month, Orlando police say a 29-year-old man appeared to have been shot by someone in another car near the Conroy Road exit on I-4 near Mall at Millenia. Police say he pulled over and fired multiple shots back. At last check, he’s expected to recover.
Also in Volusia County, troopers say two women traveling along I-4 were shot at from someone in another car back on June 19. They were not hit. At last check, no arrests have been made in these cases.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, a total of 38 aggravated battery or assault cases involving firearms were reported on the county’s interstates and highways from 2019-2022.