KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The son of an Osceola County high school football coach was shot and killed early Wednesday in Kissimmee, prompting a homicide investigation, police said.
Kissimmee police said Eric Pinellas Jr. was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds around 1:50 a.m. in the area of Cypress and Bay streets, near the intersection of U.S. 441 and U.S. 192.
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Pinellas, a 30-year-old father of two, according to his family, was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Pinellas’ father, Eric Pinellas Sr., the head coach at Osceola High School, requested prayers for his family.
“Lost my oldest son to senseless gun violence last night. Been trying to process not ever seeing him again all day. If you have a minute or two of spare time, say a prayer for me and my family. RIP son, I LOVE YOU!” the tweet said.
Lost my oldest son to senseless gun violence last night. Been trying to process not ever seeing him again all day. If you have a minute or two of spare time, say a prayer for me and my family. RIP son, I LOVE YOU! 💔
— Coach EP (@CoachEP_OHS) January 12, 2023
Pinellas’ family said Eric Pinellas Jr. was on his way to his grandmother’s house when he was shot, and Crimeline flyers have been posted in the area.
Sgt. Charles Popp with the Kissimmee Police Department told News 6 that investigators are following multiple leads to build a case and arrest Pinellas’ killer.
“We’ve got multiple sources of information right now from the family, from the community,” Popp said. “Part of our due diligences is obviously following up and making sure we identify the correct person.”
The Osceola School District released a statement after learning about Pinellas’ death.
“Our Osceola High School Kowboy family and the Osceola School District ask everyone to keep the Pinellas family in their thoughts in light of this heartbreaking loss,” the statement said.
Police have not released details about the shooting, and no arrests have been made. When asked whether there is any cause of concern for the public, police told News 6 they believe it’s an isolated incident.
An investigation is ongoing. Check back for updates.
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