A 54-year-old man was fatally shot late Tuesday at an apartment complex, the Ocala Police Department said.
Police said they were called shortly before 11:30 p.m. to the Parkside Garden apartments on South Pine Avenue and Silver Springs Boulevard, where they found Cornelius Lewis suffering a gunshot wound.
Lewis was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Police said they have detained a 17-year-old boy for questioning in connection with Lewis' murder. They haven't publicly disclosed his identity.
"We are confident that this is the person responsible for the murder of Cornelius Lewis," police spokeswoman Meghan Shay said. "(The motive is) something that is minor. It's uncalled for, and justice needs to be served for this victim."
Investigators said they'll disclose the gunman's motive soon.
Betti Gadson, who was Lewis' friend, said she watched a video on Facebook of the victim's final moments.
"They just had him on the ground, and people were crying and screaming," she said.
Gadson said Lewis' family is struggling with their grief.
"They're having a hard time, so I'm going to keep checking on them," she said. "I know the entire family."
Gadson said she was a teenager when Lewis' mother was fatally shot at the complex.
The shooting remains under investigation.
No other details were given.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Ocala police at 352-369-7000.
Law enforcement has responded to the apartment complex many times in the past:
- Teens shoot at Ocala officer in unmarked car, police say
- 6 arrested at apartment complex where four people were shot
- Police: Arrest made in rash of Ocala shootings
- 4 shot, 1 fatally, after fight at Ocala apartment, police say
VICTIM IDENTIFIED: The homicide victim has been identified as Cornelius Lewis, DOB: 6/22/64. Next of kin has been notified. If you have any information regarding this case please call Detective Dustin Todd 369-7170. We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Lewis. https://t.co/zP4qG5ztkH
— Ocala Police Dept (@ocalapd) July 18, 2018
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