A man was shot dead last Friday outside a club in Winter Garden, while another sustained non-life threatening injuries, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies said on Tuesday.
23-year-old Phillip Johnson was pronounced dead at Health Central Hospital after he was shot outside “Club 50” at 13023 West Colonial Drive. He was attending a birthday bash, deputies said.
Investigators went to “Club 50” just before 1:30 am, on April 1, where they found about 120 persons at the scene.
Initial investigation revealed the victim who suffered non-life threatening injuries and his brother had been involved in a physical altercation with security and others present, because of their Haitian attire. Witnesses told investigators that someone was pointing a laser equipped handgun above the crowd.
The victim told deputies he was pushed out of the building, multiple shots were fired and he fell to the ground after being hit.
It is believed that shots rang out too, from a black Cadillac Escalade, driving through the parking lot of the Club, as Johnson left with his friends.
Both victims were taken to Health Central Hospital where Johnson was pronounced dead. The victim who survived and Johnson did not know each other, nor were they together, deputies said.
Deputies said, at least two vehicles, not involved in the shooting were reported struck by the gunfire.
Anyone with information regarding this killing is asked to call Crimeline at # 1-800-423-TIPS.
