A tourist on his honeymoon in Orlando was shot and killed after an attempted robbery in the parking lot of an International Drive hotel. The murder of a tourist in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district is the first in years, although three people, none of whom were tourists, were killed in the area last year.
Osman Darcan had just returned with his wife to the Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive around 1:40AM when an armed man approached them and attempted to steal her purse, according to police. There was a struggle and the male tourist was shot and pronounced dead on the scene. The 52-year-old Turkish tourist died defending his new wife during the armed robbery attempt.
The suspect was able to flee the scene and no arrests have been made. The shooter is being described as a heavy-set, dark-skinned man of unknown race with short bushy hair and eyebrows. Police are also looking for more information related to a reddish or orange vehicle with a stripe on the side.
“International Drive is one of safest areas in tourist corridor,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media today. “Tragic murder resulted from robbery.” They asked the public to remain vigilant and if they see something suspicious to say something to authorities.
The OSCO also announced increased patrols are in place in the International Drive area. Anyone with information related to the murder should contact Crimeline.
“Our detectives were working overnight, diligently to try and bring some closure, bring some information to the community and to the family,” Capt. Angelo Nieves said earlier today.
The story of this tourist’s murder were covered in more detail on the website Empire of Mouse.