Orlando teen killed in drive-by

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Police are searching for a man who shot and killed a teenage boy Thursday night.

It happened along McLaren Circle and Spring Pines Drive in Kissimmee around 8 p.m.

Investigators said Mario Small Jr. was walking into the neighborhood with his younger brother after being dropped off by their football coach when a car approached and stopped. Two men exited the vehicle and fired gunshots.

Kissimmee authorities said a bullet struck Small in the head as he fled. He later died at Florida Hospital-Kissimmee.

Small’s mother, Maryann Hollinger, said she and her sons previously lived in the neighborhood, but she moved so her family could be safe.

"I can’t explain it because I moved from over here and he comes to visit, and this is what happens," Hollinger said. "I can’t explain that. Drawing was his real passion, but he loved football too."

Family members said the car with four men inside then sped away. Police said two of the men were armed.

The car was described as a light green or white Dodge Magnum with black rims. The family is offering a $3,000 reward for any information about the assailants.

Police named Richard Corporan as a person of interest Friday afternoon, and he contacted police voluntarily. After speaking with Corporan, police said he is no longer a person of interest in the case. They determined he was not present at the time of the shooting. corporan had no additional information on the case, police said.

"We need to get these guys. You all just killed an innocent little boy. He had a great career going for himself," The victim’s father Mario Small Sr. said.

Police said on Friday they are confident an arrest will be made soon.

Anyone with information should call the Kissimmee Police Department at 407-847-0176.