The Polk County community is reeling after the tragic and senseless death of Elijah Johnson, who was fatally shot on Tuesday night, August 12, 2025, near the I-4 and U.S. 27 interchange in Davenport.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 9:40 p.m. to a call at the Home Suites, where they found Elijah lying unresponsive on the ground. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries.
Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the moments before and after the shooting. Several bystanders reported seeing the suspect — later identified as 29-year-old Angel Gonzalez-Morales — arriving at the scene in a red sedan alongside another man. Shortly after, Gonzalez-Morales exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the nearby woods.
The vehicle was later located at a McDonald’s on U.S. 27 and Sand Mine Road, where deputies apprehended the driver, 39-year-old Angel Efrain-Reillo. However, Gonzalez-Morales remains at large. Sheriff Grady Judd described him as “armed and dangerous” and urged the public to call 911 immediately if he is spotted. He was last seen heading toward the wooded area behind the hotels just east of U.S. 27 and north of I-4.
Elijah Johnson’s life was one filled with potential, love, and connections to those who cared deeply for him. His untimely passing has left family members and friends devastated, struggling to comprehend the sudden void left in their lives. Those who knew Elijah remember him for his kindness, loyalty, and the way he could light up a room with his presence.
In addition to mourning his loss, the community is rallying together, sharing memories, offering support to his loved ones, and seeking justice in his name. His death has not only taken away a cherished son, brother, and friend but also serves as a stark reminder of the violence that can shatter lives in an instant.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of Angel Gonzalez-Morales to contact 911 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477).
Elijah’s loved ones are now left with the heavy task of honoring his memory while hoping that those responsible for his death are swiftly brought to justice. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his absence will be deeply felt for years to come.
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