Altamonte man accused of killing wife's cousin

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — An Altamonte Springs man accused of killing a family member on Sunday has been charged with homicide.

Police said Christopher Blessing, 35, shot his wife's cousin during an argument Sunday evening at the Spring Lake Hills apartment complex.

According to the police report, Blessing and Santiago, 24, who lived with the couple, got into an argument over an apartment key.

Blessing said he and his wife kicked Santiago out of their home, but Santiago returned. Blessing told officers Santiago grabbed him from behind, and he feared for his life, so he pulled out a handgun and opened fire.

When authorities arrived at the scene along Wymore Road, they spotted Wilfredo Santiago laying in the entrance with an apparent gunshot wound.

Police said they found several holes in Blessing's story, and they believe he could have done more to keep Santiago out of the apartment in the first place.

"I think he did shoot in self-defense," said Blessing's wife, Marilyn Santiago.

Police said Blessing's children were also home during the shooting.

Blessing is charged with homicide and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Blessings will remain in jail until his next court date, scheduled in January.

WFTV