On the night of July 26, 2024, a tragic shooting unfolded in Orlando, Florida, claiming the life of 66-year-old Ronald Steve Roberts. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. in the 800 block of West Lancaster Road. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Roberts suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he fought for his life for three days before succumbing to his injuries on July 29.
Roberts, a male resident of Orlando, was identified as an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a violent altercation. The shooting stemmed from an earlier physical fight involving a suspect, 46-year-old Jeffrey Figueroa Rivera. Rivera had returned to the scene of the altercation and indiscriminately opened fire on three individuals, none of whom were involved in the initial dispute. Among the victims was Roberts, who was fatally wounded. The other two victims sustained injuries, though their conditions were not disclosed.
Following the incident, Rivera was taken into custody by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and is currently being held without bond at the Orange County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder with a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and open carrying of a weapon. Authorities have not released further details regarding the ongoing investigation.
The senseless nature of Roberts’ death has left the community in shock, as he was merely present at the wrong place at the wrong time. Law enforcement officials continue to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward as they work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
