The bullet that fatally struck a woman early this morning in a downtown Orlando bar, came from the gun of an Orlando police officer.
The shooting happened at the Vixen Bar at 118 South Orange Avenue just before 1:00 a.m.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina, who issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon said, “Our officers responded to calls for help about an armed suspect making threats outside an establishment. The preliminary indication is that during this situation, a bullet was discharged from Officer Edward Sanquino’s weapon and fatally struck a Maria who was inside the establishment.”
Maria Fernada Godinez, 22, was identified at the woman who was struck when police officer Eduardo Sanguino’s gun discharged. She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Frank Nunez, a police lieutenant, also suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, in the melee. He was treated at ORMC and discharged.
Meanwhile, the armed man who was making threats outside the Vixen Bar has been identified as Kodi Roach, 23. Roach, who was also struck, was taken to ORMC and is now in stable condition.
Mina said Roach is currently being charged with carrying a concealed firearm, felony murder and other charges are pending.
“The Orlando Police Department is committed to a full investigation to understand how this tragedy happened,” Mina said.
Two officers – Eduardo Sanguino and Jeff Angel – have been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation is ongoing as police continue to interview witnesses.
Mina appealed to anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, currently investigating the use of force by officers.
