BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
LAKE BUTLER — Union County Sheriff’s office has released the name of the victim killed in a triple shooting over the weekend while the manhunt for the suspect continues.
William H. Hope, 35, of Lake Butler was transported to an area hospital along with the other victims but died from his injuries.
Another victim remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition, and a third was treated and released.
The murder investigation continues as authorities search for 56-year-old Anthony Lydell George of Lake Butler, the shooting suspect.
According to the sheriff’s office, units responded to calls of numerous shots fired on the west area of Southwest First Terrace in Lake Butler around 10 p.m. on March 19. There they found the three gunshot victims.
George reportedly fled the area on foot and has not been seen since Sunday around 3 a.m. UCSO recovered his vehicle that morning, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Lab is processing the vehicle for evidence.
UCSO has obtained nationwide extradition warrants in search for the suspect with a bond set at $1.5 million. They expect to file additional charges at the conclusion of the investigation.
“We are also working with the U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force Unit to expand our search nationwide in locating Anthony George. Our agency continues to pray for the all the victims involved in this crime,” UCSO wrote in a social media post.
Anyone with information pertaining to the crime or location of the suspect may contact UCSO at 386-496-2501 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477). You will remain anonymous and eligible for an award.
