Manhunt underway for Elkton murder suspect

Investigators are asking Historic City News readers for assistance in locating a 46-year-old Elkton man who has been identified as the trigger man in a fatal shooting that occurred just before 5:00 a.m. on the morning of October 5, 2013, as patrons were filing out of Papi’s Bottle Club on North Nova Road in Ormond Beach.

Darrell Willis is facing two charges in an arrest warrant that was issued Tuesday; 2nd-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Willis may have changed his appearance and cut his hair to help elude capture, but when the shooting took place, he had long hair in a dreadlock style.

Witnesses called police to report an argument that broke out inside the club and spilled into the parking lot. One of Willis’ friends told investigators that he saw Willis inside Papi’s with a group of friends and relatives; some of whom got tangled up in the initial argument.

Surveillance video, taken from the parking lot outside, captured images of Willis walking to a Dodge Charger that belongs to one of his friends. The owner of the vehicle told Willis that a stranger kicked and punched his car while it was parked. Willis is seen holding a handgun and talking to the occupants. Willis walked to the front of the Charger, raised his right hand, and fired the gun in a northerly direction, striking 28-year-old Jeriell Lesane. The victim was transported to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he died approximately 14 hours later.

Anyone with information about Willis’ whereabouts is asked to call the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. You can also text a tip to Crime Stoppers by texting “TIP231 plus your message” to CRIMES. Individuals who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.