DELTONA, Fla. – Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Joseph Whitmer, who was killed early Monday morning at a condominium complex in Deltona.
Deputies with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire and screaming at 140 Orchid Woods Court shortly after 1 a.m.. Upon arrival, Whitmer was found outside the door of his second-floor apartment suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Doorbell surveillance video captured the shooting, providing deputies with a clear image of the suspect. Within minutes, around 1:15 a.m., a deputy in the area located a man matching the description near Providence Boulevard and Perimeter Drive and detained him without incident.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 49-year-old Brian D. Whittaker, a resident of another unit in the same complex. Whittaker is facing charges of first-degree murder.
A K-9 unit searching the area recovered a discarded black sling bag believed to belong to Whittaker. Inside, deputies found a loaded handgun, extra ammunition, and other weapons.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the motive behind the deadly shooting. Further updates will be provided as new details emerge.