On December 18, 2024, at about 4:14 a.m., Orlando Police responded to a report of a suspicious incident at the Avalyn West Apartments on Ivey Lane and found 46-year-old Jerome Alexander Manute Thomas with fatal injuries. Authorities later identified 50-year-old Carleton D. Sealey as a suspect and arrested him on December 21, 2024. Sealey is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder with a firearm, home invasion robbery, burglary of a dwelling with assault/battery with a firearm, and fraudulent use of credit cards over $100; he is being held at the Orange County Jail.

Thomas was born November 28, 1978, and was a lifelong Orlando resident. He attended Dr. Phillips High School where he played basketball, worked in a warehouse, and was remembered by family as a gentle giant who loved family, fishing, football, and barbecuing. Authorities have not released further details about motive or the events leading up to the killing.

If anyone knew Jerome or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you know with investigators.