Bruce Duane Fleming, a 69-year-old Caucasian male, tragically lost his life on December 25, 2013, in Deltona, Florida. On that fateful Christmas morning, Bruce was working in his backyard at 3220 Cadehill Drive while his family prepared for their holiday celebration. At approximately 10:02 a.m., Bruce was struck in the chest by a stray bullet. Despite immediate efforts to save him, Bruce was pronounced dead at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City at 10:58 a.m.
The initial
reports suggested that the gunshot might have originated from a nearby shooting range. However, Volusia sheriff's investigators later determined that this was not the case. The investigation revealed that the shot was fired from a northeast direction behind Bruce's home. The shooter, whose identity has not been disclosed, admitted to firing a shotgun but claimed he was unaware that anyone had been hit. The incident was deemed accidental by the authorities, and no charges were immediately filed.
The tragic event unfolded as Bruce's family, including his daughter Jessica Blackwell and his son Joshua Fleming, were preparing Christmas dinner. Jessica recounted the heartbreaking moment when she ran to her father's side and held his hand as he uttered his last words, "I have been shot." Joshua, who found his father and brought him to the driveway, blocked the road with his truck to prevent the suspects from leaving the scene. The family reported that their Hispanic neighbors were firing guns on their 10-acre property, and one of the bullets struck Bruce.
Despite the clear evidence of the shooting, the investigation faced challenges. The sheriff's office continued to probe the incident, but no immediate arrests were made. The case remained open, with the authorities working to determine the exact circumstances and potential culpability. The community and Bruce's family were left in a state of grief and uncertainty, hoping for justice and closure in the wake of this senseless tragedy.
