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Argument over porch seat ends with Sanford man, 71, shooting stepson, police say

SANFORD, Fla. — A Sanford man has been denied bail by a  judge Sunday after he was arrested for shooting his adult stepson, police said.

The shooting happened around 9:45 a.m. Saturday in the 2300 block of Summerlin Avenue after police said Thomas Lathrop, 71, got into an argument with his stepson.

The stepson, Frank Fort, 31, was rushed to the hospital, where he’s in critical condition, police said.

Juanita Lathrop, the suspect's wife and victim's mother, told Channel 9's Cuthbert Langley she believes the two were arguing over a place to sit on the front porch.

She said her son was shot twice.

Juanita Lathrop told Eyewitness News the two men did not get along, but never had previous violent incidents.

"I don't know what went wrong with this man. I don't know what happened to him, or what went on," Juanita Lathrop said.

Thomas Lathrop niece went to Sunday's court hearing to defend her uncle.

"I come from a very kind, loving, straight background. So I can never see my uncle hurting anyone," said Aldrena Lathrop.

Thomas Lathrop faces charges of attempted premeditated murder. He was appointed a public defender.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 13.