Joseph Torres, a 34-year-old Army veteran who had served in Afghanistan, was tragically shot and killed in downtown Orlando, Florida, on May 2, 2021. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard. Torres was out with a friend, heading to get some empanadas, when he walked through a group of people without any issues. However, as he approached a second group, he encountered Shaun Engram, a 25-year-old former Marine.
Engram blocked Torres' path and told him he couldn't pass through. A brief exchange of words ensued, and the situation escalated rapidly. Engram shot Torres four times, three of which struck him, while the fourth hit his cellphone. Torres was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Orlando Police Department quickly identified and arrested Shaun Engram four days after the shooting. Engram, who had a minimal criminal history and a concealed weapons permit, was charged with second-degree murder. During the investigation, it was revealed that Torres and Engram did not know each other prior to the incident. The altercation appeared to be a random act of violence, with no prior connection between the two men. Engram's defense attempted to argue a stand-your-ground case, but this was rejected by the judge, as evidence showed Torres was trying to flee when he was shot.
The case drew significant attention due to the senseless nature of the crime and the fact that Torres was killed on his daughter's fourth birthday. He had bought a dress as a gift for her but never had the chance to give it to her. The tragedy left Torres' family and friends devastated, as they remembered him as a dedicated father and a beloved friend. The incident also sparked broader concerns about violence in downtown Orlando, leading to increased security measures in the area. Engram was ultimately found guilty of second-degree murder in November 2024 and faces life in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 31, 2025.
