Man accused of fatally shooting Walmart diaper thief to face judge

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 51-year-old man arrested Wednesday in connection with the Feb. 4 shooting death of a teen shoplifter at an Orange County Walmart is set to face a judge Thursday, deputies said.

Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff's Office recommended Lonnie Leonard be charged in connection with the death in late March.

Arthur Adams, 19, was one of the people suspected of stealing diapers at the Walmart on Clarcona-Ocoee Road.

Adams was confronted by a loss-prevention employee from Walmart when deputies said a shopper stepped in and some sort of argument took place, and Adams was shot, deputies said.

The shooter, later identified as Leonard, allegedly told deputies he thought Adams was reaching for a weapon.

Adams was found at a nearby Citgo gas station, where he was taken to the hospital and declared dead, deputies said.

Leonard was charged with manslaughter, aggravated battery with a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.

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Cox Media Group