Shooting Leaves Woman Dead in Marion County as Deputies Search for Suspect

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A woman was fatally shot in Marion County, and deputies are currently seeking a suspect. The incident occurred in a shopping plaza near Marion Oaks Boulevard and Marion Oaks Drive shortly before 2 p.m. on Friday. The victim was identified as 47-year-old Milagros Guzman Lopez, but the suspect remains at large.

Witnesses reported seeing a male shooter fleeing the scene, prompting deputies to block off the plaza as they honed in on the area where the shooting took place. One witness, Gerardo Salazar, described hearing the gunfire and a woman’s screams before promptly alerting authorities. The tragedy left the community in shock, with residents expressing their condolences to the victim’s family and gratitude that the situation did not escalate further.

The shooting took place in a bustling area, and the heavy police presence following the incident was unsettling for those accustomed to the normally peaceful atmosphere. However, residents also acknowledged the swift and thorough response from law enforcement, with deputies interviewing witnesses and reviewing security camera footage from businesses in the plaza as part of their ongoing investigation.

As of now, the suspect remains unidentified, and the search for answers continues. The tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of such violence, leaving the community in mourning and longing for justice for the victim. The deputies’ dedication to pursuing the perpetrator offers a glimmer of hope for closure in the aftermath of this senseless act.

The victim, Milagros Guzman Lopez, was fatally shot in a shopping plaza in Marion County, spurring a search for the suspect. Witnesses reported a male shooter fleeing the scene, prompting a thorough investigation by authorities. The tragic incident has left the community in shock, with residents expressing their condolences and gratitude for law enforcement’s efforts. As the search for the suspect continues, the community remains united in mourning the loss of a cherished member and seeking justice for the victim.