Lester Inman, an 18-year-old African American male from Sanford, Florida, tragically lost his life on December 27, 2017. Lester was fatally shot while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Terry Lane and Scott Drive, just north of the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The incident occurred shortly after midnight as he was returning home from a party. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots, and Lester was found with a gunshot wound to the head.
His death marked the ninth homicide in Sanford for the year 2017, a significant number for the city.
Lester was known for his close-knit family relationships, living with his grandmother and often visiting family members. His niece, Jade Inman, described him as a loving uncle who enjoyed teaching her how to fish and spending time skateboarding. The community was deeply affected by his untimely death, and the Sanford Police Department launched an intensive investigation to find those responsible.
After months of investigation, a breakthrough came in April 2018 when Sanford police arrested Phillip Hunt, a 16-year-old male, in connection with Lester Inman's murder. Hunt was charged with first-degree premeditated murder. The arrest was the result of persistent efforts by the investigators, who expressed their gratitude for the community's patience and support during the investigation. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith highlighted the importance of this arrest in bringing some measure of justice and closure to Lester's family and friends.
The motive behind the shooting has not been publicly disclosed, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lester's death continued. The arrest of Phillip Hunt was a significant development, but the case underscored the broader issue of gun violence in Sanford, which had seen a rise in homicides and shootings in the preceding months. The police department increased patrols and community outreach efforts to address the spike in violent crime and reassure residents of their safety.
