Manager: Victim tried to protect woman after shooting outside dialysis center

ORLANDO, Fla. — A couple’s robbery spree ended in the shooting death of an Orlando social worker, investigators said.

Channel 9 learned Monday about the heroic efforts the victim made to protect an innocent person.

A grand jury indicted two people on first-degree murder in the death of Gregory Whitbeck.

Whitbeck was shot and killed during an attempted robbery outside a dialysis clinic near Kirkman Road and Colonial Drive in December.

Authorities said the suspects were identified as Kenny Chaney and April Coger.

The dialysis center’s manager, Aurie Burks, said Whitbeck had stepped outside to get something from his car when he was approached by the pair, who tried to rob him and then shot him.

Officials are working to figure out the motive, because the pair stole nothing.

Chaney and Coger were later arrested.

“We worked together here for a long time, just like our brother, family,” Burks said. “He just went out in there to get the papers for this lady to help her out to pass her test.”

Burks worked with Whitbeck for more than a decade. She said even after the victim was shot, he was able to release the door to the clinic so another woman could take cover.

“She heard two shots. She crawled on the floor, (and) tried to open the door, and nobody could open the door for her. She could not do it,” said Burks.%Court records said Chaney killed Whitbeck after robbing two other people, including a mother taking her 3-month-old to day care.

Deputies said Coger is Chaney's girlfriend and getaway driver.

Authorities used a GPS on the couple’s car to link them to the crimes. Officers said they found stolen goods in the couple's bedroom.

“I hope they rot in jail,” said Burks.

The dialysis clinic is taking steps to improve security.

Cox Media Group