SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County detectives are trying to solve their first murder of the year. A 24-year-old man was shot and killed at the SunShadow Apartments near Casselberry ( see map ) early Thursday morning.
Deputies said they aren't sure if the victim knew his killer. They spent more than twelve hours on the scene of Seminole County's first murder of the year. They are still searching for answers, because they don't know who shot and killed Nick Hayes or why.
"That's even scarier, not knowing why this happened and the possibility that he could still be around," neighbor Liz Stiers said.
Nicholas J. Hayes - Shooting Victim - 012110 Shooting victim Nicholas J. Hayes Nicholas J. Hayes Deputies say Hayes and two friends came to the complex to visit someone, but the group never made it inside. A Hispanic man in his 20s, bald and clean-shaven, pulled a gun on them. Hayes fought back and was shot in either the chest or back.
None of the people involved lived at the complex and deputies don't think drugs are involved.
Last year, Seminole County rolled out crime scene tape for ten murders. They cleared each one. They hope this case won't ruin that record.
Deputies say they have strong leads, but won't say what they are. They're also looking into where Hayes and his friends were earlier in the night.
Hayes has a criminal record that includes driving with a suspended license and battery charges. Deputies hope that the information can lead them to a connection between him and his killer.
"It could be that he crossed someone or it's possible that someone targeted him," Lt. James Clark of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said.
The suspect was last seen driving a silver Hyundai SUV. He was wearing gray, baggy pants and a white tank top. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have information about this crime to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
WFTV
