Apopka, Fla. — A 36-year-old father was fatally shot after stepping in to break up a confrontation following a minor car crash on Tuesday, August 11, authorities say.
Police have charged 26-year-old Raul Lionel Vazquez with second-degree murder in the death of Daryl Alexander Hill. According to an affidavit obtained by Globe, the incident began after a minor collision between a vehicle carrying Vazquez and a woman he was traveling with.
Witnesses told investigators that Vazquez helped the woman out of the car by pulling her through the driver's side window and then argued with her. Daryl Hill, who was riding a bicycle nearby, rode over to intervene. The two men reportedly became engaged in a physical altercation that spilled into nearby bushes; the woman also became involved in the scuffle.
Vazquez later told police he had mixed martial arts and wrestling training but that Hill began to gain the upper hand, the affidavit states. Witnesses say Hill eventually emerged from the bushes with his hands raised and ran away, calling for help.
Daryl Alexander Hill/GoFundMe
According to the affidavit, Vazquez ran to his pickup truck, retrieved a shotgun and fired one shot into Hill’s back. Hill was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“I want him to suffer for doing this to us, for taking my life, my husband's life,” Hill’s wife, Suzanne Hill, told WKMG. She said Daryl had been returning from taking their 10-year-old daughter to her first day of school when he was killed.
Vazquez has been charged with second-degree murder and has not yet entered a plea. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 17. Authorities continue to investigate and have not publicly released additional details about possible motives or other witnesses.
What officials say: The affidavit and witness statements are the basis for the charges, and prosecutors will present their evidence in court. The case remains under investigation, and police ask anyone with information to contact the Apopka Police Department.
Community impact: The shooting has prompted shock and grief in the community, particularly for Hill’s family. A GoFundMe set up in Hill’s memory described him as a devoted father and husband.
We will update this report as more information becomes available from law enforcement and the courts.
