WINTER HAVEN, Fla.,None — Police are searching for the suspect who killed Orlando Musician Ralph Ameduri Jr., 45, during a robbery outside a bar in Polk County early Saturday morning.
Friends said Ameduri was filling in for another musician on Friday night, playing bass with Thomas Wynn and the Believers at Jessie's bar in Winter Haven.
Officials said the band stopped for a break and went outside through the back door around 1:00 a.m., and while the band was in the back parking lot, they were approached by a man who tried to rob them.
An employee at the bar told WFTV that the suspect forced Ameduri and three band members to the ground. Police said the suspect then shot Ameduri in the head for no apparent reason.
Ameduri was taken to Winter Haven Hospital, and then flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he died.
"It appears to be strictly a random act of violence," said Winter Haven's Police Chief Gary Hester.
"It's a completely senseless act. Uncalled for, very tragic," one of Ameduri's friends, Matt Herston said.
Friends gathered Saturday afternoon at Will's Pub in Orlando to reflect on Ameuri's life.
"He was an amazing musician, an amazing person. He contributed a lot to the Central Florida music scene," said Herston.
Investigators said they are looking into a number of leads and checking surveillance video from nearby businesses.
Police told WFTV the suspect took off on foot and left with nothing. The investigation is ongoing, police said.