Police release video, ask for public's help to find gunman who killed Cocoa father

COCOA, Fla. — For the first time since a 31-year-old Cocoa father of five was shot and killed after walking his son to the bus stop in October, police have released surveillance video of the man they believe was involved.

According to witnesses, Thomas Walter Jr., was walking home from the bus stop on Fiske Boulevard when an unknown person began arguing with him and then fired multiple shots.

Cocoa police are reviewing surveillance video that they said captured the shooting.

The shooter, who was riding a bicycle, fled the area, witnesses told investigators.

In the video, it appears some sort of disagreement about the bicycle preceeded the shooting, officers said.

By releasing the video, investigators hoped more witnesses would come forward and help identify the man involved.

"Basically, we know that there are eyewitnesses out there," Cocoa Police Department Detective Debra Titkanich said. "We know there are people who have information regarding this case. We don't have the murder weapon, we don't have the people coming forward saying they know what happened."

Thomas, was able to make it back to his home in the 1000 block of Grove Street, where family members called 911, police said.

Thomas' fiancée, April Jenkins, said it broke her heart to think about what his children were going through.

"Every day I walk in the house thinking about what happened," she said. "And it hurts me thinking about my kids hurting for their father."

Jenkins said she would never stop working to find the person responsible for taking Thomas away from her and their four children.

"I know if it was me in this spot, he'd fight for me," she said. "I need to fight for him."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

Cox Media Group