July 3, 2009
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING FATAL SHOOTING NEAR DELAND

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that happened Thursday night near DeLand. Deputies were notified at approximately 8:22 p.m. when someone at a Subway restaurant, 1200 N. Woodland Blvd., called 911 to report that a man had just burst into the store claiming to have shot someone. A moment later 66-year-old Thomas Kunzer got on the phone and explained that 60-year-old Jesse Fleming had pulled a knife on him at 110 Tangerine Ave. Kunzer then picked up a shotgun and shot Fleming, who he had known for several years, on the front porch. When investigators responded to the scene and spoke with Kunzer, he requested the counsel of a lawyer, and so there are some details still unknown. The shooting was the end result of an argument the two men were having, but it’s unknown what the original argument was about. Following the preliminary investigation, Kunzer was not arrested; however, the investigation is ongoing as investigators continue to work to verify his story. 

Kunzer and Fleming were both DeLand residents. Kunzer was staying at the Tangerine Avenue home where his son and the son’s girlfriend live. 

The case is still active and additional details will be released as they become available.