A Florida man was fatally shot with a shotgun after stopping to break up a fight between a couple involved in a car crash, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Raul Lionel Vazquez, 26, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 56-year-old Daryl Hill, deputies confirmed.
The shooting happened Tuesday morning near Plymouth Sorrento and West Ponkan roads in Apopka, roughly 20 miles northwest of Orlando. According to an arrest affidavit, witnesses saw a pickup truck slam into an SUV moments before the violence began. Vazquez, who was reportedly shirtless and barefoot, got out of the truck along with a woman, and the two began arguing loudly on the roadside.
Hill, who was riding by on his bicycle, stopped to try to calm the situation down, deputies said. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, with all three tumbling into nearby bushes. When they got back up, Hill reportedly tried to run away — but Vazquez went back to his truck and pulled out a shotgun.
Investigators say Hill was fleeing with his hands raised, calling out for help, when Vazquez opened fire. Hill collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
During questioning, the woman involved claimed Hill had been the aggressor and had pushed Vazquez, but she stopped cooperating and asked for a lawyer once detectives pressed for more details. Vazquez also claimed self-defense, telling investigators he had training in martial arts and wrestling and was overpowering Hill before the shooting. He admitted to firing the weapon.
Family members said Hill had just dropped his 10-year-old daughter off for her first day of school and was biking home when he was killed. His wife said she grew worried after his phone stopped moving and later found police at the scene.
Vazquez remains in custody at the Orange County Jail without bond as the investigation continues.