Edgewater High School mourns death of varsity football player

The Edgewater High School community is grieving after the death of varsity football player Gerald Anderson in a reported home invasion on Wednesday, Jan. 3.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at 4:56 p.m. about an incident at 7761 Murcott Circle off of Old Winter Garden Road.

Deputies arrived on the scene and found a deceased male who was later identified as Anderson, as well as another man injured outside the home.

According to police reports, detectives believe that Anderson and second suspect Luismil Hernandez were both attempting an armed burglary of the residence. They entered the home and encountered 70-year-old Juan Jose Caraballo, who was armed and gunfire was exchanged. The shooting left Anderson dead and Caraballo injured, while Hernandez fled the scene. 

Caraballo was transported to ORMC and Hernandez was later arrested on Friday, Jan. 5 on a warrant for armed burglary and first degree felony murder.

“The Edgewater Football Family is hurting right now,” read a tweet from the Edgewater football team. “We lost one of our own this past week and our prayers are with the family and all who were affected. Gerald, Fredo, #23, our heart hurts not knowing you are with us anymore but our hope is that we will all reunite in heaven!”