Family seeking answers after loved one shot in Orlando: 'Did not deserve this'

Family pleads for answers after deadly shooting

FOX 35 spoke with the victim's grieving family who is pleading with the public for answers after their loved one was found shot dead near the Florida Mall. [Editor's note: Police ID'd the victim as Jade Monique Thomas, a 49-year-old female.]

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orange County Sheriff's Office is still searching for a suspect in a deadly shooting near The Florida Mall.

A woman was found shot near The Florida Mall on Friday around 3:50 a.m., and died in the hospital, according to Orange County deputies.

Authorities identified the victim as 49-year-old Jade Monique Thomas.

Lecia Paul says her sibling was the person killed, and they have very little information on what led up to the shooting. They're hoping the community can come forward with information.

"If anybody anywhere hears anything, sees anything, even just that inkling of anything, please reach out to law enforcement," said Paul. "Please, please. This didn't have to happen."

Paul remembered Thomas as "fun loving," "brilliant" and someone who was unafraid and lived their life "out loud."

The family is now left feeling hopeless and without answers. If you have any information that could help this investigation, please contact Crimeline where you can report a tip anonymously at 800-423-TIPS (8477)

"(She) did not deserve this. (She) did not," said Paul. "If anybody knows anything or has seen anything or hears anything you can be anonymous. We just want to know. We want justice for (her)."

Editor's note: FOX 35 has updated our story to better reflect Thomas's identity, as identified by authorities.