A man was arrested by Orlando police after he allegedly fired a gun during an altercation outside the Magic Mall, fatally striking a bystander.
On Sunday, April 6, at around 2:20 a.m., Orlando Police Department officers responded to the parking lot of the Magic Mall located at 2155 West Colonial Drive in reference to shots being fired.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a victim, identified as 46-year-old Joseph U. Phillips, who had sustained a gunshot wound.
Orlando Fire Department personnel soon arrived at the parking lot and pronounced the victim, Phillips, deceased.
According to OPD, a thorough investigation revealed that the victim had been at a nearby business, the D’Junction Island Bar and Restaurant, when he stepped outside.
At the same time, a group of individuals began arguing in the parking lot. During that verbal altercation, a man – identified by police as 27-year-old Keishawn Anthony Richards – allegedly pulled out a firearm and attempted to shoot at one of the individuals involved in the argument.
The bullet instead struck the victim.
After identifying Richards as the alleged shooter, OPD responded to his residence and took him into custody. He was placed under arrest and transported to Orange County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
Richards is being charged with manslaughter with a weapon.
In a media release, OPD stated that there are no additional suspects in this case.