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Person of interest in death of Boone High School student jailed on another crime wants out

ORLANDO, Fla. — It was three years ago when a Boone High School student was killed.

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Alejandro Vargas was just 15 years old when he was gunned down. No arrests were ever made.

Now, a person of interest in this case, who is in jail for another crime, is asking to be let out to live his life while he awaits trial.

According to court documents, the main person of interest in the case is 21-year-old Deandre Florence. He’s still behind bars after he was arrested for second-degree felony murder in 2019.

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Documents from the case show Florence said he wasn’t there when Vargas was killed, but detectives said they found a picture on his cellphone of the gun said to have been used in the murder of Vargas.

Orlando police said in January 2019, Florence and his friend, Denim Williams, tried to steal a cellphone being sold by Curtis Fulcher.

Fulcher shot Williams that day. He is out on bond awaiting trial for manslaughter. Florence has remained in jail for almost three years, getting his high school diploma.

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Now, his attorney has filed a motion saying he should be released from jail on his own recognizance because he doesn’t have money for bond, or that at least the judge should set a reasonable bond.

His attorney said he is not a flight risk, and will work at the Parramore Kids Zone and show up at court.

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In the filing, it says Florence is not a danger to the community, didn’t have a gun and didn’t shoot anyone, so should be released to continue with his life and prepare for his trial.

A trial date has not been set yet.

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Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.