Investigation continues into shooting of Orlando father of 4

Deputies say they believe shooting was unprovoked attack

ORLANDO, Fla. – The investigation continued on Wednesday into the shooting that left one man dead, as his friends and family grieve their loss.

Lance Whitten was shot and killed Monday night on Keri Court, just west of Hiawassee Road in Orlando. Deputies said Whitten was visiting a friend when he was ambushed and shot at close range multiple times.

Sunny Steinmetz is overcome with grief as she spoke about her baby brother, whom she called a "gentle giant."

"My brother's gone and he's not coming back," Steinmetz said. "There's no reason for it."

"He was a massive man with a heart as huge as Texas."

Deputies are struggling to figure out why someone shot and killed Whitten.

His mother, Joy Whitten, spoke to the childhood friend who Matt was visiting. That friend told Joy that Matt was only inside for 20 minutes. After leaving the home, the friend heard multiple gunshots.

"I still can't believe it, I expect him to walk through that door any minute and say hi mom and kiss me on my forehead like he always does," said Joy.

Joy said her son helped take care of her as she recovered from a stroke.

Matt was also the father of four children ranging in ages 4 to 20-years-old. With no motive and no explanation, the family is hoping for answers.

"I don't know if they have a conscious, but I hope they do. And I hope anybody that saw anything will come forward."

Deputies told Local 6 they believe the shooting was an unprovoked attack.

"He was a great guy, a teddy bear, a family man," said one friend, who didn't want to be identified.

"Really, no answers," the friend said. "And I think that's what's eating us up inside."

Witnesses say they saw several possible shooters jump into a black car and speed off.

Contact Crimeline if you have any information on the shooting at 800-423-TIPS.


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