Investigators identify victim and suspect in deadly Port Charlotte shooting

Reporter: Elizabeth Biro
Published: Updated:

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a shooting that occurred near Uppercutz Barbershop in the Bell Plaza in Port Charlotte Wednesday afternoon.

UpperCutz in Charlotte County. CREDIT: WINK News

“One person was unfortunately shot, and they have since passed away,” said Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Chris Hall.

According to CCSO, the victim’s name was Manuel Torres, 37. The accused shooter has been identified as David Lee Hull, 34.

Torres, AKA Macho, was the owner of UpperCutz.

Family members, friends and clients stopped by all day Thursday to leave flowers and pay their respects to a man they say was not just a barber but a valued member of his community.

“The beginning of the school year, he did an event at the Culver’s here in Port Charlotte, and he gave away free haircuts,” said Brenda Phipps, who knew Torres. “That shows me he was a very loving and caring person.”

Phipps said it was more than money and business for Macho.

On Wednesday night, crime scene markers were laid outside Macho’s shop. Investigators were going in and out of the business next door, The Hydroponic Depot, where Hull works.

“It started out as a verbal and physical fistfight to begin with, which is what it should have stayed,” Phipps said.

The motive remains unclear, but comments on a Charlotte County Facebook page noted the two men knew each other and had a fight.

CSCO said Hull is cooperating with the investigation. He has not been arrested.

This investigation is still ongoing, and deputies are still interviewing witnesses.

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