ORLANDO, Fla. — A man and woman have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Friday shooting death of a 55-year-old Pine Hills dialysis center employee, court documents said.
Gregory Whitbeck was walking into the Fresenius Medical Care West dialysis center in the area of West Colonial Drive and Kirkman Road at about 6:51 a.m. when he was approached by a man and a woman, investigators said.
Authorities said the pair was trying to rob Whitbeck, and witnesses said there was a struggle before one of the suspects shot and killed Whitbeck.%
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A vigil is scheduled for Thursday outside the center.
April Coger, 24, and her boyfriend, Kenny Chaney, 23, were arrested Tuesday night and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.%
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“He was so happy when he came into work. He made everyone feel at home,” said coworker Barbara Webster.
His coworkers said Whitbeck worked at the center for 13-years, and was always willing to help patients and staff.
“We are like a family. He's like a brother to us,” said coworker Aurie Burks.
Deputies said the couple robbed two other people, including a woman who was with her 3-month-old child, just hours before killing Whitbeck.
Investigators said Coger's car was towed on Saturday. The car was new, so deputies went to the dealership.
An employee used the car's GPS which showed the vehicle was at the three crime scenes, deputies said.
“(I would) just ask them why. Why would you just rob somebody just coming to work? It's sad,” said coworker Latonya Jennings. “It's a very big lost. Tragic. Just tragic.”
The Pine Hills community was shocked and saddened by Whitbeck’s death.
“He was a really good guy. That’s all I could say,” said Clarence Flagg, a nearby restaurant worker.
A Bishop who recently held a prayer vigil calling for an end to violence in the neighborhood showed up to the crime scene.
“It’s not just the west side. It’s happening on the east side. It’s coming, I keep telling everybody, it’s coming to a neighborhood near you,” said Kelvin Cobaris, bishop of the Impact Church.
He said without change, people can expect to see more violence.
“We’ve got to do something, and this is an everybody effort,” Cobaris said.
Coger and Chaney were both being held without bail at the Orange County Jail.
A spokesperson for Fresenius Medical Care West Orlando facility said in a statement:
"We are deeply saddened to report that an employee who worked at our West Orlando dialysis clinic was shot this morning outside of the facility and passed away at Health Central Hospital. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased and to our employees who worked with the individual. No patients were harmed during this incident and we are working closely with local authorities on their investigation. In the wake of this tragic event, we are diverting patients scheduled for subsequent shifts to our nearby facilities, and are making grief counselors available for patients and employees. Our focus is ensuring the well-being of the employee’s family, our patients and staff."
Cox Media Group
