ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.- Six people are dead after what's being called a "workplace violence" incident in the Orlando area.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said one of those dead is the shooter, 45-year-old former John Robert Neumann, a former employee of Fiamma, a business that makes RV awnings. The shooter turned the gun on himself after shooting the five people within the business. Demings said the employee was fired from the business in April.
Of the five victims, three men and women were found deceased with officials arrived on scene. One more male victim was transported from the scene, suffering from gunshot wounds, but he later died from his injuries. Just before police entered the building the suspect
The five victims have been identified:
- Robert Snyder, 69
- Brenda Montanez-Crespo, 44
- Kevin Clark, 53
- Jeffrey Roberts, 57
- Kevin Lawson, 46
Neumann lives alone and does not family in the area, according to Sheriff Demings. He said that the victims were shot intentionally, as indicated by a survivor of the event that came forward and said Neumann pointed a gun at her and told her to leave.
The woman was a temporary employee and did not know Neumann.
In 2014, Neumann was the suspect of a battery case with an employee at Fiamma. Deputies came out and spoke to both parties and no arrest was made. Demings stated that they are unsure at this time whether the person involved in the 2014 incident was also a victim of the shooting.
The incident occurred about 8 a.m. Monday and deputies arrived on scene within two minutes, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The suspect was armed with both a handgun and a large hunting knife, as well as some small other knives, according to authorities, but he did not use the knife on any of the victims. Both Sheriff Demings and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement state that at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the suspect is affiliated with any terrorist group.
According to the Associated Press, Shelley Adams said her sister, Sheila McIntyre, called her from the company’s bathroom during the shooting and was very upset.
She kept repeating “My boss is dead. My boss is dead,” Adams said.
Information is scarce at this time, however, the Sheriff's Office has tweeted that they will be holding a press conference once all the information they have is in order.
The scene is off Forsyth Avenue, southeast of downtown Orlando, in an industrial/business area.
There is a family "reunification" spot where family members of surviving victims can meet up and that is located at Full Sail University located at 3535 N. Forsyth Road. and for those family members with questions the Sheriff's Office has set up a number to call: 407-679-0100 ext. 3087.
Governor Rick Scott has issued a statement:
Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today. I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available.