The Orange County community is in mourning after the shooting death of 16-year-old David Anthony Vargas Acker, a tragedy that local authorities are still piecing together. The young victim was shot around 1 a.m. on July 30 and later pronounced dead at the hospital. "I haven't eaten in three days," said David Vargas, the teen's father, in an emotional statement detailed by FOX 35 Orlando. "Can't stop crying. I wake up crying, go to sleep crying. They practically had to drag me to my bed yesterday."
The grief-stricken family is seeking justice for their son's untimely death, with detectives from the Orange County Sheriff's Office deep into an ongoing investigation. According to the parents, David was a central figure in their lives. "David was the glue," his mother, Veronica Acker stated, as per FOX 35 Orlando. The teenager had dreams of graduating high school early to work as a contractor alongside his father, who recalled his son's aptitude, "He was so good with his hands," his father said, "he was a quick learner. He picked up on things so fast."
According to WFTV, adding a layer of context to the ongoing story. Migdalia Pagan revealed that David had been invited to a house to meet a girl he knew when the incident occurred. "We're just broken by this," Pagan said, flipping through old family photos. "16-year-old -- he’s a baby. He’s just starting his life." She added chilling details that after the gunshots were heard, screaming ensued, followed by a realization that hit too close to home - the victim was her friend’s grandson.
The family implores anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted confidentially to the Orange County Sheriff's Office or through the Crime line at 800-423-TIPS (8477), as the quest for answers and closure continues.
