Deputies: Man working in yard shot, killed by stray bullet

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 69-year-old Deltona man died after he was shot in his backyard, possibly by a stray bullet, on Christmas Day, according to Volusia County deputies.

The man was shot in the chest around 10 a.m. while working in the backyard of his home on Cadehill Drive in Deltona, deputies said.

The victim, Bruce Fleming, was rushed to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, where he was pronounced dead.

A spokesman for the sheriff's office said the shooting appears to be accidental. Deputies believe Fleming may have been hit by a stray bullet that came from a neighbor's property. According to investigators, the man who they identified as the shooter admitted to firing a shotgun, but didn't know he hit someone.

Deputies said no charges have been filed against the man and his name was not released. Forensic evidence is being sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to confirm whether the man's shotgun is responsible for the death.

The shooting remains under investigation and the case will be forwarded to the State Attorney's Office, officials said.

WFTV