ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The death of a 17-year-old Freedom High School student has been ruled a homicide, Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
Justin Machado was found shot to death Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. at his Lynchburg Court home near South John Young Parkway and Deerfield Boulevard, deputies said.
"Investigators are seeking information relating to his whereabouts prior to his death and any information relating to his death," Orange County Sheriff spokesperson Jane Watrel said.
Machado was last seen about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at school, where he was a junior.
The home where his body was found is about 10 minutes from the school.
Map: 2018 homicides in Orange County
Deputies are working to piece together a timeline between when he was last seen at school and when he was found inside the home.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 407-826-4357 or Crimeline at 407-423-8477.
This is a developing story. Check back on wftv.com for updates.
UPDATE pls RT: The death of 17-year-old Justin Machado is now considered a homicide. Our investigators are working tirelessly to find whoever did this. We need the public's help. Please call Crimeline if you saw or spoke to him prior to his death Tuesday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/m3ujsVh6WT
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 11, 2018
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