Family of Deceased Winter Springs Woman Questions Investigation at Vigil
PINE HILLS, Fla. – In a poignant gathering, over 50 family members and loved ones assembled at a neighborhood park to pay their respects to a missing woman who tragically succumbed over the weekend. Clarence Thorton, Shakeira Rucker’s younger brother, expressed his profound sorrow, stating, “My sister should’ve never been in that situation. Not in a million years would I have thought my sister would’ve ever been in that situation, so if you’re going through anything like this, please find help.”
Amidst the emotional atmosphere, Clarence Thorton conveyed his gratitude for the family and friends who honored his sister’s life. The sorrowful event unfolded when Rucker was discovered deceased on Saturday night, her life extinguished by gunshot wounds at a storage unit situated off U.S.-441 in Zellwood, adjacent to Apopka.
Sheriff John Mina of Orange County, accompanied by multiple law enforcement agencies, held a media briefing on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after Rucker’s lifeless body was found. Addressing the gathering, Sheriff Mina revealed, “We were all hoping for a different outcome.” Consequently, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office assumed control of the investigation.
Responding to reports of a foul odor, deputies were summoned to the area of the storage unit, registered under the name of Cory Hill, Rucker’s estranged husband, at ‘Your Storage Units.’ Hill had already appeared before a judge the previous Monday, charged with four counts of attempted murder for shooting at his girlfriend and family on November 12, the same day Rucker was reported missing. Sheriff Mina unequivocally identified Hill as the suspect, stating, “He is the suspect, we are not looking for anyone else, he will be charged with the murder eventually.”
However, back at the solemn vigil, Thorton voiced his disappointment concerning the investigation process and how his sister’s remains were discovered. Thorton expressed, “Very disappointed because we told them that it could be the storage because all of his furniture wasn’t in the house.” Seeking further clarity, Thorton was asked by News 6’s Brian Didlake if there were additional questions he desired answers to regarding the investigation. In response, Thorton inquired, “Yes, and for someone who works at the storage (unit), like how did you not know with all the cameras?”
Andrew Bain, the 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney, showed support for the grieving family and expressed his own frustration, saying, “It’s frustrating, I mean I can’t make sense of that. I can’t make them work faster, and I can’t make them prioritize this case any faster.” Sheriff Mina attempted to shed light on the situation during the Sunday media briefing, noting, “There are hundreds and hundreds of storage unit facilities in Central Florida, and you know that wasn’t known until we received the call that was his.”
Looking ahead, the state’s attorney’s office declared that they would take a moment to strategize before announcing any charges. As more information becomes available, News 6 will promptly relay it to the public.
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