On September 15, 2023, 21-year-old African American male Michael Duane Hilton Jr. was found deceased in the backyard of a residence in Avon Park, Florida. Residents of the home reported hearing gunshots around 1 a.m. that night and discovered his body the following morning. An investigation by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office revealed that Michael had been involved in an altercation with 25-year-old Trevor Jaume Reggie Manning shortly before his death. Evidence from the crime scene linked Manning to the shooting. On September 25, Manning, a convicted felon, was arrested for possessing a firearm and subsequently charged with second-degree murder while in custody.
Michael Duane Hilton Jr., born on August 18, 2002, in Vincennes, Indiana, was raised in Avon Park, Florida. He attended the Highlands County School system and briefly enrolled at South Florida State College. Known for his vibrant personality, Michael was described as always respectful, full of life, and willing to lend a helping hand. He had a close-knit family and had been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Kiera Venning, since middle school. Michael's sudden death left a profound impact on his family and community.
The arrest of Trevor Manning brought some measure of justice to Michael's family. The Highlands County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. Michael's memory lives on through the love and support of his family, friends, and the Avon Park community.
