An Apopka, Florida, father was killed Tuesday morning after he stopped to break up a roadside fight just moments after dropping his daughter off at school. Daryl Alexander Hill, 56, was shot in broad daylight near Wolf Lake Elementary after rushing toward a couple who were arguing and fighting outside their pickup truck, according to the Orange County Sheriffβs Office.
Authorities said the clash began inside the truck, where Raul Vazquez, 26, and a woman were fighting before their vehicle struck a black SUV. The dispute then spilled into the road. Hill, who had just dropped off his 10-year-old daughter, was riding his motorbike when he saw the confrontation and moved in to help. The sheriffβs office said Vazquez has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Investigators said Hill joined the struggle, and the fight carried into nearby bushes before he tried to get away. Vazquez allegedly returned to his car, grabbed a gun, and shot Hill in the back. Witnesses saw the aftermath of the shooting, including one driver who told WKMG he heard a loud bang and then saw a body in the road while taking his own children to school.
Orange County deputies said Hill was trying to help someone who appeared to be in distress. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead less than an hour later. Family members later learned something was wrong when Hillβs phone stayed in the same location for an extended period and he did not answer calls.
His wife of 17 years, Suzanne Hill, told WESH she went home after growing concerned and found the crime scene. She said she did not see the scene itself, but seeing detectives confirmed her fears. Suzanne and other family members have since described Hill as a caring man who consistently stepped in to help others. He was also the father of two adult children.
