Raul Lionel Vazquez, 26, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Daryl Hill, 56, who was shot while trying to break up a fight between Vazquez and a woman near Plymouth Sorrento and West Ponkan roads in Apopka, Florida, authorities said.
Background
The incident unfolded Tuesday morning when witnesses told investigators they observed a pickup truck crash into an SUV near the intersection. Raul Vazquez, who was not wearing a shirt or shoes, and a woman exited the pickup truck and began arguing intensely, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime. Deputies reported that Vazquez was in the woman's face and yelling at her.
Daryl Hill was riding his bicycle through the area when he witnessed the confrontation. According to investigators, Hill attempted to intervene and separate the two individuals. The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation involving Vazquez, Hill, and the woman, with all three falling into nearby bushes.
When they emerged from the vegetation, Hill began running away while Vazquez retrieved a shotgun from his truck, according to the affidavit.
The Investigation
Deputies reported that Hill ran with his hands raised, screaming for help. A single gunshot rang out, and Hill fell face-first to the ground. Paramedics rushed him to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office interviewed both Vazquez and the woman involved in the argument. The woman claimed Hill was the aggressor and had pushed Vazquez during the confrontation. When investigators attempted to obtain more details about her account, she requested an attorney and ceased cooperation, the affidavit stated.
Vazquez provided his own version of events, claiming that Hill attacked him first. However, detectives noted in their report that Vazquez gave "many different accounts of the incident." According to deputies, Vazquez claimed martial arts and wrestling training and stated he was "getting the better of" Hill before retrieving the shotgun.
Vazquez admitted to firing the weapon, according to investigators. He remains held in the Orange County Jail without bond.
Key Takeaways
- Daryl Hill, 56, had just dropped off his 10-year-old daughter on her first day of school before riding his bicycle home when he witnessed a crash and attempted to intervene
- Raul Lionel Vazquez, 26, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with Hill's death
- The shooting occurred near Plymouth Sorrento and West Ponkan roads in Apopka, approximately 20 miles northwest of Orlando
- Investigators say Hill ran away with his hands up before Vazquez fired a single shotgun blast
- A woman present at the scene initially provided a statement but invoked her right to counsel when pressed for additional details
- Vazquez is currently held without bond in Orange County Jail
What's Next
Vazquez faces formal arraignment proceedings where he will enter a plea to the second-degree murder charge. The case will proceed through the Orange County court system as investigators continue building their prosecution. Hill's family, including his wife Suzanne and two adult children, are expected to participate in the legal process as victim advocates.
Hill's widow told local NBC affiliate WESH that her husband loved helping others—a trait she said defined him. "That's how he would want to be remembered," she said, noting Hill was simply trying to help when he was killed.