On December 22, 2023, 34-year-old McKenzie Roundtree was found dead in a vacant lot in Ocala, Florida. The Ocala Police Department responded to a shooting call around 8:20 p.m. and discovered Roundtree with multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation led by the Ocala Police Department involved gathering information, several leads, and testimony from witnesses. Detectives linked the evidence to a 23-year-old suspect, Zy’Wantre Lester.
Following the investigation, Lester was arrested on January 10, 2024, and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Roundtree's death.
The incident occurred in a vacant lot near the 1900 block of SW First St. in Ocala. The police credited the community for providing tips and leads that helped in identifying Lester as the shooter and ultimately leading to his arrest. This collaborative effort was praised by the police department, who noted that it made Ocala a safer place by removing a dangerous individual from the streets.
The case involved a thorough investigation, including the analysis of various pieces of evidence and witness statements. The police department encouraged anyone with additional information about the crime to contact Crime Stoppers to help maintain safety in Ocala and Marion County.
