Charlie Stephens, a 45-year-old resident of Apopka, Florida, was shot and killed on March 7, 2019. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call on East 13th Street and found Stephens with a gunshot wound; Orange County Fire Rescue personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators determined the shooting was not random and believed the shooter knew Stephens.

Authorities arrested 24-year-old Michael Lamont Peterson and charged him with second-degree murder with a firearm. Witnesses say an argument in the house began when Stephens and a woman argued over money; the woman told others Stephens had battered her, escaped and began live streaming, then called Peterson. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing Peterson run from the house saying he had to shoot because Stephens had a gun, but deputies found no evidence Stephens had fired a weapon. Stephens is remembered locally as a well-known, caring individual despite his flaws.

If anyone was in South Apopka on March 7, 2019 and saw the area around East 13th Street or has information about this incident, please come forward.