2 people die after being shot in vehicle, deputies say

Double homicide under investigation

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Two people died after being shot in a vehicle early Thursday morning, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. 

Deputies said the two victims were driven to a hospital around 1:50 a.m., where they were pronounced dead.

Officials later identified the victims as 23-year-old Michael Thomas White and 21-year-old Lezhan Zackery Studivant.

One of the victims was driving in the 3000 block of South East 52nd Street in Ocala when he was involved in a verbal altercation with the gunman, which then led to a shooting, according to a news release.

"We do know there was a verbal dispute in the car and at that point in time, the suspect did pull a weapon and shoot these two victims," said Cecelia Koon, with the Marion County Sheriff's Office. 

Investigators said the shooter knew the victim and this appears to be an insolated incident. 

Still, some neighbors felt uneasy after learning about the incident.

"Yes, I'm scared. I keep the doors locked at all times," said Ella Fellows, who lives nearby. "It just really concerns me that two people were killed."

The driver stopped the vehicle after being shot and a witness drove both victims to an area hospital, records show. 


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