New details have emerged in a carjacking homicide case that claimed life of a 78-year-old man outside of an Orlando-area CVS.
On Tuesday afternoon, Orange County Sheriff John Mina provided an update regarding the killing of Uken Cummings on Sunday afternoon at the CVS located at 6217 Silver Star Road.
According to Sheriff Mina, after picking up his medication, Cummings was returning to his vehicle when he was confronted by two individuals. Those men, who the police are asking the public’s help to identify, shot Cummings and took the keys to his vehicle.
“Many of the homicides in our community occur after hours, in the shadows, behind closed doors,” said Mina. “Unfortunately, Mr. Cummings was doing nothing but picking up something from CVS.”
Mina indicated that after the suspects stole Cummings vehicle and shot him, they backed up over his body and ran over it again as they were fleeing the scene.
According to his family, Cummings moved to Central Florida in 2008 after 40 years of service as a New York City hospital police officer. He lost his wife of 54 years just a few months ago.
“He was a father of four and had ten grandchildren…the family is reeling over the loss of these two individuals,” said Mina.
Mina describe the murder as senseless and suggested that it has “shaken our community.” He pleaded with those who may have information to come forward.
“We know there’s someone out here who knows what happened. Please help us bring these killers to justice,” said Mina. He says the Florida Sheriff’s Association has increased the reward from $5,000 to $10,000 for anyone who provides information through Crimeline (800-423-TIPS).
“Our homicide detectives will not rest until these brazen killers are brought to justice. To the murderers, who senselessly ripped this man away from his family: We’re coming for you. So do the right thing and turn yourself in,” said Mina.
Currently, the sheriff’s office is in possession of the stolen vehicle. The sheriff says that law enforcement will not be commenting on the vehicle or providing any additional footage in order to maintain the balance between “transparency and the investigation into catching the killers.”