Marion County sheriff’s detectives are seeking help in solving a double homicide.
Early Thursday morning, sheriff’s deputies were called to an area hospital after two men arrived with gunshot wounds. When deputies arrived a short time later, hospital staff advised them that both of the victims had died.
The shooting victims have been identified as 25-year-old Michael Thomas White and 23-year-old Lezhan Zackery Studivant.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a verbal altercation occurred between a suspect and one of the victims while they were traveling in a vehicle in the 3000 block of SE 52nd Street in Ocala. Following the dispute, witnesses reported hearing gunshots, a sheriff’s office report states.
Reports also indicate that the other victim was the driver of the vehicle. That person apparently was able to stop the vehicle and a witness then drove both of the victims to the hospital.
Anyone with information about this incident or those involved is asked to call Detective Levy at (352) 368-3546. Those wishing to make anonymous tips can contact Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP (7867). Tips also can be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.