published: Friday, May 25, 2012

Man shot in his home near Four Corners

CLERMONT

MILLARD K. IVES | Staff Writer

millardives@dailycommercial.com

A Clermont man was murdered in his front doorway early Tuesday as his roommates fled out the back door.

Corey Wiggins, 38, was pronounced dead at a home at 1210 Gold Creek Court in the Four Corners section of Clermont just after 1:40 a.m. Lake County Sheriff's officials Tuesday afternoon were still trying to identify the intruder, but contend it was not a random incident.

According to sheriff's spokes-man Lt. John Herrell, Wiggins rented the home with four other people. The group told detectives they heard someone knock at the door, which Wiggins opened.

One witness said a gun barrel came through the doorway and shots were fired. Wiggins was hit but was able to force the door shut as the home's other occupants ran out the back door.

Another witness arrived at the home and saw what appeared to be a dark-colored sport utility vehicle driving away.

"It was at this point that he entered the residence and discovered that the victim had been shot," Herrell said.

Deputies searched the area with two tracking dogs and a sheriff's helicopter but failed to turn up the suspect.

Herrell said detectives are not releasing what they believe is the motive for the shooting as the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 352-343-2101; or Central Florida CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS, where they can be eligible for a $5,000 reward.