COCOA, Fla. – The family of Walter Thomas, 31, who was killed early Wednesday morning in Cocoa said that he was dropping off his 4-year-old son at the bus stop moments before he was shot.
Felicity Jenkins said that her aunt has been dating Thomas for more than a decade.
"He was always positive," Jenkins said. "He was a hard worker. He loved his kids. Did everything for anyone who asked. He never messed with anybody."
Cocoa Police said that Thomas was shot and killed just moments after the bus full of students pulled away.
"Walk him to the bus stop. Pick him up from the bus stop. Something a dad does. You know, and no one messes with him. So this is very shocking that this happened," Jenkins said.
Investigators said that surveillance video from the corner business shows the entire shooting. The video is described to show Thomas approaching the suspect. The suspect was on a bicycle, and detectives think Thomas might have been confronting the suspect for stealing his bike.
Thomas' family said that he mowed lawns to support his family.
Jenkins said that her aunt will have to figure out how to take care of their family without Thomas.
"I just feel really bad for them. My aunt got to take care of six kids. She already going through cancer, so it's going to be a lot of hurt people. Our family is strong," Jenkins said.
Police said on a 911 call, Thomas' girlfriend didn't know what had happened because Thomas was not able to speak after making it back to his home when he was shot.
Neighbors described hearing five gunshots.
Without any arrests, neighbors are hoping police are soon able to identify the man caught on video shooting and killing the young father.
"Whoever that person is, they need to be caught you know. So other people won't have to be worried about that situation," said Randy Bland, a neighbor and minister.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Central Florida Crimeline at 407-423-TIPS. A $5,000 cash reward is being offered for anyone who has information that leads to an arrest.
“We are following some leads and are asking anyone with information to come forward,” Sgt. Bill Mills of the Criminal Investigations Division said. “We are reviewing all the evidence in the case and will continue to be as thorough as possible in order to bring justice for the victim and the family.”
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