ORANGE COUNTY, FL (August 12, 2026) — Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Daryl Alexander Hill, an innocent man who tragically lost his life while trying to help others. Mr. Hill’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the innocent lives that can be forever changed in an instant. Our office is committed to seeking justice for Mr. Hill and his family. We will prosecute this case based on the evidence, the facts, and the law, and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners as the case moves through the criminal legal system.

We also recognize the questions surrounding the defendant’s prior arrests. An arrest is not a conviction, and every case must be evaluated based on the evidence available, the participation of witnesses and victims, and the law. Where the evidence supports prosecution, our office prosecutes. Where the evidence does not legally or ethically support moving forward, prosecutors cannot pursue a case simply because an arrest was made. The public deserves accurate information about how those prior cases were handled, and we will provide that information to the extent we can without compromising this active prosecution.

Background on Prior Arrests

– August 11, 2026: Raul Lionel Vazquez was arrested and is facing a charge of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm in connection with the shooting death of Daryl Alexander Hill.

– November 13, 2025: Vazquez was arrested and initially charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a third-degree felony. The court set a $5,000 bond and imposed conditions that included no contact with the co-defendant, victims, or witnesses, as well as a requirement that he surrender any firearms within 24 hours of release. In February 2026, the State Attorney’s Office formally filed two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, one for each alleged victim. The case is tentatively set for trial on September 22, 2026.

– March 2025: Vazquez was arrested on charges of Battery by Strangulation – Domestic Violence and Battery – Domestic Violence. Our office was ultimately unable to proceed with prosecution after the alleged victim declined to cooperate and indicated that they did not wish to participate in the prosecution.

– May 2024: Vazquez was arrested on a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. The State was unable to proceed with prosecution because the alleged victim was unavailable or unwilling to cooperate. This case occurred while Andrew Bain was serving as the appointed State Attorney.

The State Attorney’s Office recognizes the significant public interest in Vazquez’s prior involvement with the criminal legal system. An arrest alone is not evidence of guilt, and cases in which a prosecution could not proceed cannot be treated as proof that the alleged conduct occurred. Our office will continue to provide information that can appropriately be released while protecting the integrity of the pending prosecution and the rights of all parties involved.