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37-year-old killed in Orange County stabbing, deputies say

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Updated  August 25, 2024 5:19pm EDT
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

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Orange County sheriff's deputies are investigating a deadly shooting on West Pine Street, near Orlando’s Malibu Groves subdivision, early Sunday morning.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County sheriff's deputies are investigating a deadly stabbing on West Pine Street, near Orlando’s Malibu Groves subdivision, early Sunday morning. 

"All I heard was sirens. I was in my house," said Kyle Adebule, a neighbor. "It's pretty scary, pretty scary."

The sheriff's office said their deputies found a man on the street around 1 a.m. First responders took the man, who was in his 30s, to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In an update on Monday afternoon, deputies said the incident was not a shooting like previously reported, but a stabbing. 

The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Michael Dearius Thomas Jr. 

Former Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón said deputies were trying to piece everything together. 

"For the crime scene technicians, detectives, meeting with initial responding officers to gather as much information as possible. That's probably what's going on right now," he said.

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Rolón said that community involvement was critical in cases like this. 

"Not only was it good detective work, but also the citizens may be more inclined to be part of the process, which is absolutely the single part. Any witness that can contribute information to detectives is vital."

The sheriff's office said this was an active and ongoing investigation. Kyle Adebule said he wanted to feel safe in his community. 

"Pine Hills has a name. But I grew up here, and I think it's safe for me, but I can't speak for everyone else."

Everyone involved in this incident has been accounted for, and there is no threat to the community. 

The investigation remains active and ongoing. 

Authorities ask anyone with information to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

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