On November 9, 2023, Gregory C. Reed, a 60-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was fatally shot at a Circle K gas station in Ocoee, Florida, a suburb of Orlando. The incident occurred after a near-collision between Reed's Ford SUV and a Mercedes-Benz SUV at the gas station. According to witnesses, Reed honked his horn in response to the near-collision, leading to a verbal exchange between Reed and the occupants of the Mercedes.
After the Mercedes parked at a pump, Reed attempted to leave the gas station. However, the passenger of the Mercedes got out of the vehicle, approached Reed's SUV, and fired five shots, striking Reed multiple times. Reed's vehicle then crashed into a parked car at a nearby Publix grocery store. Despite immediate medical attention, Reed was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The investigation, which lasted for over a year, involved reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence. The police released photos of the suspect vehicle, a silver or white Mercedes-Benz SUV, which were seen by the vehicle's owners. They informed the police that they had rented the car to Kendrick Jerrod Anderson for a two-week period starting on October 27, 2023. Further investigation, including a search of Anderson's phone, placed him in the area at the time of the murder and revealed incriminating activities such as taking a picture of live coverage from the murder scene and sending text messages asking for prayers after Reed's family appealed for information.
On November 4, 2023, Kendrick Jerrod Anderson, 27, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Reed's death. Although he was initially released on a $50,000 bond, he is currently facing trial for the crime.
Gregory C. Reed was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1984. He worked in the food industry and had previously owned his own restaurant. His family described him as a caring and committed father, son, brother, uncle, and cousin who always made time for his family and never missed opportunities to spend quality time with them. His death has been deeply felt by his loved ones, who have publicly pleaded for justice and resolution in the case.
