Jessie Woullard, a 45-year-old man from Lakeland, Florida, tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting on May 1, 2025. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Fast Stop convenience store located at 820 E. Memorial Blvd. Lakeland Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 4:52 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Woullard inside his vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite being transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead.
The suspect in the shooting, 59-year-old Ricardo Zelidon, was found at the scene behind his vehicle with his hands raised in surrender. According to witness statements and evidence collected, Zelidon had been waiting at the convenience store for several minutes before Woullard arrived. When Woullard parked his vehicle, Zelidon allegedly positioned his car behind Woullard’s, preventing him from leaving. Woullard attempted to back out but was unable to do so. Zelidon then exited his vehicle, armed with a firearm and wearing a ballistic vest. He approached Woullard’s car, engaged in a brief argument, and then opened the driver’s side door, shooting Woullard twice.
Investigators later uncovered that Zelidon had hired Woullard to perform work at his residence a few weeks prior to the shooting. Zelidon reportedly believed that Woullard had stolen a firearm from him during that time, which is suspected to be the motive behind the deadly encounter. Following the shooting, Zelidon retreated to his vehicle and awaited the arrival of law enforcement. He was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
The investigation into the case remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and seek additional information. Anyone with relevant details has been encouraged to contact Detective Biko Duhaney of the Lakeland Police Department.
