Sheriff's Office: Man found dead in charred home also likely the shooting suspect

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said a man found dead in a burning Remington home was also likely also the shooting suspect.

 The deceased male was identified as 41-year-old Elijah Marcus Smith, who was the resident of the home.

At 4:25 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls, where residents reported shots fired and a house fire in the area of 246 Strathmore Circle, in the Remington golf community in Kissimmee. As deputies were responding to the scene, they received in formation that it was possibly a “drive-by” type shooting. Deputies arrived at 4:29 a.m. where they confirmed the house at was fully engulfed in flames and began looking for possible victims. Deputies located a victim who suffered injuries from the shooting. Deputies with the victim requested Osceola
County Fire Rescue due to his injuries and the house fire. He listed in stable condition. As deputies continued to respond and investigate the incident, a person began shooting in the direction of Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue personnel. The ambush style shooting appeared to be coming from the house that was consumed by fire, said Sheriff’s Office Maj. Jacob Ruiz. Deputies and firefighters sought cover and deputies established a perimeter to contain the possible suspect. Deputies held their position until it was deemed safe to approach the property, once the fire subsided. At 7:44 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team approached the torched home to clear the scene.

Deputies discovered a deceased male, later identified as Smith, on the second floor of the home. Smith appeared to have committed suicide by turning a gun on himself, Ruiz said. A handgun and rifle were later discovered on the property.

During the investigation, deputies determined three homes and a Fire Rescue vehicle were hit by gunfire. Preliminary evidence shows that the rounds fired came from 246 Strathmore Circle, where Smith was the only occupant and likely shooter, Ruiz said.

This investigation continues and detectives are working along with the State Fire Marshal in this case. Anyone with information related to this case, is asked to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222.