Eric Duff, a 32-year-old man from North Fort Myers, Florida, was tragically killed on February 8, 2017. Eric, who was described as a talented athlete and a devoted father, had recently moved into a home on Guest Court. On the night of his death, he was ambushed and shot inside his residence. The Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene at around 2 a.m., where they found Eric's lifeless body.
Evidence suggested that Eric was most likely attacked by someone he knew, as there were no signs of forced entry.
Eric Duff's death has left a significant impact on his family and community. His father, Dennis Duff, has spoken about the immense pain of losing his youngest son, who was always in close contact with his family. Eric's sister, Tiffany, has vowed to continue searching for the person responsible for her brother's death, emphasizing that giving up is not an option. Eric also left behind a young daughter, who was only eight years old at the time of his death.
In the aftermath of the murder, the investigation has faced several challenges. A year after Eric's death, two individuals, Martell Eugene Gray and Kaitlyn Belle Gillespie, were arrested for tampering with evidence at the crime scene. They were believed to have been present during the homicide and were accused of removing items from Eric's pockets and the home before calling 911. Gillespie was found guilty and sentenced to 48 months probation, which was later revoked due to multiple violations, including drug possession. She is currently serving a three-year sentence in the Florida Women's Reception Center in Ocala. Gray was also found guilty and sentenced to 44 months of state supervision.
Despite these arrests, the primary suspect responsible for Eric Duff's murder remains unidentified. The family has made public pleas for anyone with information to come forward, hoping that someone will provide a crucial lead. The case remains open, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate, seeking justice for Eric Duff and closure for his grieving family.