MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Marion County jury delivered a guilty verdict on Wednesday afternoon in the 2020 murder case of 44-year-old David Vega, finding 49-year-old Stanley Summer Jr. guilty of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm.
Judge McCourt sentenced Summer to life in state prison for the killing that occurred at an Ocala residence in November 2020.
“Justice was served today in this case with the defendant serving life for taking the life of another,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie, “Our office is grateful to the jury for their service and to the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to bring this case to a just conclusion.”
READ: Gunman Shoots At Monroe County Deputies In Marathon, Found Dead In Rooftop Standoff
The investigation began on November 11, 2020, when the Ocala Police Department (OPD) responded to a shooting reported at a residence off NW 16th Place in Ocala. Upon arrival, officers discovered David Vega deceased on the carport floor, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Responding officers spoke with a witness present at the home who recounted hearing a “pop” while inside the restroom. The witness stated that Summer then came through the hallway, saying “someone was shot outside.” The witness subsequently found Vega on the ground in the carport before contacting 911.
Evidence was gathered from exterior security cameras at the residence, which pointed towards the incident area. Investigators were able to access video and audio clips via a Blink application on the witness’s phone.
READ: US Marshals Arrest Riverview Man In Tampa For Murder Following Fatal Overdose Investigation
These recordings showed Summer walking past the camera in the carport, followed by Vega walking towards the carport. Audio captured a verbal altercation between the two individuals. The footage reportedly shows Summer leaving the carport and entering the house, and at no point did Vega exit the carport area or reappear on camera.
Following the incident, Summer reportedly fled the scene. The video also depicted the witness exiting the home, observing Vega, and then leaving to contact law enforcement. Summer was later located, arrested, and charged with Vega’s murder.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
