Kimberly Renee East, a 27-year-old woman from Orlando, FL, was tragically found dead on May 29, 2017. Her decomposing body was discovered in a wooded area near Lake Apopka, specifically in the 900 block of McCormick Road. The investigation revealed that Kimberly, who was involved in a drug-related incident, was shot to death over an apparent drug debt.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office identified Joshua Emmanuel Delarie Simon, a 29-year-old man, as the primary suspect in her murder.
According to court documents, Simon picked up Kimberly from her friend's home on May 25, 2017, with the intention of having her engage in prostitution to settle a drug debt. Simon's brother, Josef Harris, was also present in the car. Surveillance footage captured Simon's car driving to a dead-end street near where Kimberly's body was later found. The car was seen backing up quickly and speeding away. Despite repeated attempts by Kimberly's friend to contact Simon, he assured them that Kimberly was fine and would return soon.
Simon was later arrested on unrelated drug charges, and during an interview with detectives, he was confronted with the video evidence. Following this, Simon called his mother from jail, instructing her to have his brother "disappear." Josef Harris was subsequently picked up on an unrelated warrant but has not been charged in connection with Kimberly's homicide. Simon remains in custody at the Orange County Jail without bail, facing a first-degree murder charge with a firearm.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of drug-related violence and the complex web of criminal activities that can ensnare individuals. Kimberly Renee East's death underscores the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of such violence and to provide support for those at risk. The investigation into her murder continues, with authorities working to ensure that justice is served for Kimberly and her loved ones.
