A man from Altamonte Springs lost his life in a fatal shooting on Interstate 4, leading to the apprehension of a suspect with an extensive criminal record.
A disturbing incident of road rage shook Polk County, Florida, culminating in the tragic shooting of a truck driver. This distressing event unfolded on the busy lanes of Interstate 4, turning an everyday commute into a somber crime scene.
The victim, 58-year-old Kevin Berry, was en route to work when he became embroiled in what seemed to be a violent altercation at an I-4 off-ramp that connects to US Highway 27 in Davenport.
A witness described seeing Berry’s white truck halted in the middle lane of the off-ramp, engaged in a heated confrontation with another driver situated behind him.
The situation quickly escalated, and Berry was discovered lying on the ground outside his truck. Despite swift transport to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday night.
Following this shocking incident, Polk County deputies apprehended 58-year-old Daniele Hamilton, a truck driver from Davenport with a criminal background, which includes charges of disorderly conduct and battery.
Hamilton now faces charges of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, shooting over a right-of-way, and tampering with evidence.
Sheriff Grady Judd elaborated on how a security camera from a nearby business played a crucial role in solving the case. The footage captured the altercation and the suspect’s vehicle, providing deputies with vital leads.
“In the video, two gunshots were heard, along with people screaming,” Sheriff Judd stated. Using this footage and local red light cameras, deputies were able to trace the suspect’s car back to his residence.
Upon executing a search warrant at Hamilton’s home, deputies uncovered a gun missing three casings, concealed under a pillow in his bedroom. Additionally, three shell casings were discovered in a garbage can, further solidifying the evidence against Hamilton.
Despite initially denying any involvement and asserting to be a witness to the incident, Hamilton purportedly confessed to deputies, stating, “You’ve found what you need to find so we can go.”
Yet, numerous questions remain unanswered. Who instigated the road rage incident? Did it commence earlier on the interstate or at the exit ramp? And most importantly, was there any justification for the fatal shooting?
“There was no indication that the shooting was in self-defense,” Sheriff Judd emphasized, urging any witnesses to come forward and share their perspectives on this tragic event.
