Ocoee teen's father questions lack of arrests in his son's death

Two months after Eljay Fisher's death, no arrests have been made

OCOEE, Fla. – The father of a 13-year-old boy who was accidentally shot and killed is demanding to know why no one has been arrested for his son's death.

Orange County sheriff's investigators say Lavardo Fisher Jr. -- known to his friends and family as Eljay -- was playing XBox games at his uncle's house on Feb. 7 when his 18-year-old cousin shot him in the back of the head.

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Investigators say it appears the cousin was riding a hoverboard while holding a loaded gun.  They say he claims he lost his balance and the gun fired, hitting Eljay.

Eljay died a day later.

"My worst nightmare," said Lavardo Fisher Sr. "I never thought the day would come when I would get that call."

More than two months later, Fisher says he's upset that deputies haven't arrested Eljay's cousin for his death.

"Why is this man still walking around doing what he needs done in terms of going to school?" he asked. "He's living his life normal while my son is gone. Everybody seems to be getting on with their life, but I'm torn apart."

News 6 found out Orange County sheriff's investigators handed their case over to the Office of the State Attorney on March 8.

It will now be up to prosecutors to decide whether to prosecute Eljay's cousin, and if they do, what he will be charged with.

The decision could take months as prosecutors consider thousands of cases.

Eljay's uncle, Walter Morame -- who lived in the home where the shooting happened and owned the gun that shot him -- was arrested by deputies soon after the shooting.

Investigators say he was a convicted felon and shouldn't have had the gun.

Fisher fears Morame may be made a scapegoat for his son's death, and he wants the boy's cousin to pay the price.

"Punishment of any sort. I'm not talking five months probation and you walk. I think jail time would make me believe that -- OK, justice is served," he said.


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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