Clermont man charged with murder weeks after claiming self-defense in fatal shooting

A 33-year-old Clermont man was arrested on a first-degree murder charge, weeks after he allegedly shot a close associate inside his home and initially claimed self-defense.

On Saturday, June 13, the Clermont Police Department, with assistance from the Mid-Florida SWAT Team, arrested Kirby Alan Smith at his residence located on Linton Court. He was then charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of 47-year-old Michael Rodriguez.

The police department stated that Smith and his “close associate,” Rodriguez, had been residing at the incident location for several weeks prior to the shooting.

On Wednesday, May 20, CPD officers responded to the Linton Court residence in reference to a fatal shooting. An investigation reportedly revealed that Smith had allegedly shot and killed Rodriguez following an argument that had occurred earlier that day.

When officers arrived at the home, they discovered Rodriguez deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. They also reportedly found the suspected murder weapon at the scene, which was identified as an “AR-style pistol chambered to fire .223/5.56 caliber rounds.”

Smith was detained on the evening of the shooting and interviewed by detectives. He claimed he acted in self-defense during the dispute with Rodriguez, according to Clermont police.

At the time, CPD detectives had not yet identified witnesses or gathered sufficient evidence to contradict Smith’s account, so Smith was released pending further investigation.

Over the next several weeks, detectives conducted a comprehensive investigation in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. After conducting numerous interviews, executing multiple search warrants, and analyzing forensic evidence, authorities obtained an arrest warrant charging Smith with first-degree murder.

On the morning of Saturday, June 13, Smith was arrested and transported to Lake County Jail, where he remains in custody. He is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 6, according to jail records.