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Officials identify victims in Orange County triple killing

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies have identified the three individuals who were found dead in a wooded area on Tuesday as the search for two persons of interest continues.

The victims were found shot to death in a wooded area off Curry Ford Road Tuesday morning. They have been identified as Richard Bottom, Todd Lemme and Deborah Watson -- all in their 50s and 60s.

The trio was homeless and living in a shed near a retention pond, authorities said.

"Investigators are looking into why someone would want to kill these people. It's a tragedy that we have here," said Jane Watrel with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said they want to talk with Leonard Lewis and David Emmons in connection with the murders. According to officials, Lewis and Emmons are also homeless. Both men were known to the victims and considered persons of interest.

"They have knowledge of what happened. We feel they may have been witnesses to what happened last night. We really want them to come in and to talk to us," said Watrel.

A friend of the victims told Eyewitness News he spent time with them just days before the murders.

"That was Sunday," Jarib Martin said. "Just hanging out, having fun, drinking beer and smoking cigarettes."

Martin described his friends as good people who didn't deserve to be killed.

"Innocent people who wouldn't harm a fly," Martin said.

Deputies said they were called to the area twice Monday night after receiving reports of shots being fired, but nothing was found.

"I just can't believe they're gone. They were such nice people," neighbor Charly Orr said.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Emmons and Lewis is asked to contact authorities immediately.