An Orlando man has been charged with first-degree murder following a fatal shooting Wednesday evening that police say stemmed from a dispute over allegedly stolen property.
According to investigators, officers responded to a reported shooting around 6:59 p.m. on May 20 near the intersection of Harbour Road and Chesapeake Avenue in Orlando.
When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a tree in front of a residence. Inside the vehicle, officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as 33-year-old Daryl Willis Jr. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators determined the shooting occurred in the 5000 block of Chesapeake Avenue and was connected to property allegedly stolen by the victim the night before, according to police.
Authorities said Willis had agreed to return the property and went back to the residence from where it had allegedly been taken.
Police say that after learning Willis had returned to the residence, 40-year-old Joseph Petrus drove to the location. Investigators allege Petrus exited his vehicle and shot Willis as the victim attempted to leave the scene.
Following the shooting, Petrus allegedly fled the area in a vehicle but was quickly apprehended by responding patrol officers.
Petrus has been charged with first-degree murder.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities said no additional information is being released at this time in order to protect the integrity of the case.
