LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Only about five minutes lasted between a 911 call and a Lake County deputy fatally shooting 38-year-old Timotheus Reed on Sunday in Leesburg.
Body-camera footage shows what happened after the shooting, but not the shooting itself. That’s because the deputy’s body worn camera was not activated at the time.
[BELOW: Bodycam footage shows aftermath of deputy shooting]
Family and friends gathered on Friday night to remember Reed. Strong emotions filled the air.
“He’s in a better place, I believe that,” said Reed’s father. “There will never be another Timotheus Reed.”
Pictures of Reed with the words “Forever loved,” “No justice no peace” and “Say his name” were scattered throughout the vigil.
[BELOW: Listen to the full 911 call]
Tears in eyes, voices cracking and heartbreak filled the brief moments of silence.
“That officer must be held accountable, he must be held accountable,” said Reed’s father. A person who attended the vigil said this: “to the sheriff, to the mayor, to anybody that has any kind of power, stand up!”
Reed, according to the sheriff’s office, was the suspect in a stabbing in Leesburg, although his cousin, who says he was at the scene at the time, claims he was never stabbed and never told anyone he was.
The sheriff’s office says a knife was found near the area where the deputy encountered Reed. Those at the vigil believe the use of deadly force was not necessary.
“They should have never discharged their firearm,” said family friend Polo. “They should have been appropriate, they should have figured out what took place, de-escalate it if possible.”
The family says they have retained an attorney and are fighting for answers.
“The father lost his son, a mother lost her baby boy, you got kids that lno longer have a father. They deserve answers,” said Polo.
He claims there will be more protests and rallies planned in the coming weeks.