Brandon Bascom, a 31-year-old from Orlando, Florida, died on December 17, 2016, in a shooting incident that occurred in Pine Hills. The events leading to his death began when Bascom, who was reportedly involved in a suspected mail-fraud scheme, followed a person he knew to a Kwik Stop near Silver Star Road and Powers Drive. Bascom, who had been angry earlier that day, confronted the person by stabbing the rear tire of their car.
One of the passengers in the car, whose identity was not disclosed, drew a gun and shot Bascom. A third car then arrived, and an unidentified individual fired additional shots, though none of these hit anyone. Bascom attempted to flee the scene by reversing his car but was struck by another bullet from the initial shooter. His car then crossed Powers Drive and hit a shopper in a nearby parking lot, injuring her leg. Bascom was pronounced dead at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
The investigation into Bascom's death revealed that the shooting might have been a justifiable homicide. The individuals in the first car cooperated with the authorities, and the findings were forwarded to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office for a decision on whether to press charges. The shooter from the third car was not found, and the reason for their involvement remained unclear. Additionally, Bascom was identified as a suspect in a home invasion that occurred in Tavares, further complicating the case.
In a related development, Craig Lazar Bent, 33, was arrested in connection with the shooting. Bent was charged with first-degree felony murder and three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. According to the authorities, Bent shot Bascom while he was sitting in his car at the Kwik Stop. Bent's arrest added another layer to the investigation, as it was one of several violent incidents in Pine Hills that weekend. Bent was denied bond during his first court appearance, and the case continued to unfold as the legal proceedings progressed.
