A 15-year-old boy has been charged as the alleged perpetrator responsible for the shooting death of a Desert Storm veteran as she was heading to her car. Following extensive efforts by Homicide Detectives and with the assistance of the community and Central Florida Crimeline, the Orlando Police Department announced on Friday that they had apprehended a suspect identified as Samuel Stevens, aged 15.
According to law enforcement officials, the victim, Angela Sutton Washington, 60, had visited a convenience store on February 7 to make a quick stop on her way home. It was during this time that an individual in a dark blue or black Mazda 3 opened fire, striking her.
Authorities discovered Washington lying on the sidewalk and attempted to save her life, but tragically, she succumbed to her injuries.
Investigators stated in March that they believed Angela Sutton Washington was not the intended target of the shooting. They urged multiple individuals who were present at the shopping plaza during the incident to come forward, emphasizing that their cooperation was crucial to the investigation.
Surveillance footage from the area revealed the presence of 7-9 males loitering in front of the store, indicating that they were likely the intended targets. These individuals had spent approximately an hour hanging out in front of the business before the shooting occurred.
During a press conference in March, Orlando homicide detective Barb Sharp condemned the senseless murder of Angela Sutton Washington, highlighting her status as a valued member of the community and a military veteran of Desert Storm. Describing her as a beloved daughter, mother, and grandmother, Sharp emphasized the need for justice.
Samuel Stevens now faces a first-degree murder charge with a firearm. It hasn’t yet been decided whether he will be tried as an adult.