March 18, 2024 | By: David Combs

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class.

David Manning loved to sing, not only for himself but for others as well. “David was a phenomenal singer. His voice was heaven-sent. He had aspirations of going to college to pursue his musical career,” said his sister Tamara Manning.

Those aspirations were cut short on August 11, 2007. David Manning and Johnny Fisher were found shot to death in a green Isuzu SUV outside of a triplex off Kelley Avenue in Kissimmee, Florida. Kissimmee police spokeswoman Stacie Miller reported to local news that the car had been parked for several hours outside of the triplex with the windows up.

Law Enforcement would not disclose whether they believe the shooting occurred where the vehicle was found or at another location. The case remains unsolved.

David Manning grew up in Kissimmee, Florida. He was 22 years old at the time of his murder. He was very hardworking and determined. He was a man of few words. “He was a very quiet person,” Tamara said. “He never wanted to be the loudest in the room.”

Tamara stated, “Growing up without a father figure, David had to step up and take on that role”. Taking on such an important responsibility led to a strong connection between David and Tamara. “I never had a father figure growing up, so I always looked up to him,” Tamara said. The two had an inseparable bond.

“I was his little shadow – everywhere he went, I went,” she said.

David and Johnny were best friends growing up. Tamara saw her brother the night before the murders as he was on the way to a party.  “I remember he brought me Olive Garden home that night and said he was going out to a party and that he would be home that night,” Tamara said.

Police broke the news to Tamara and her mother, Tina the same day David was found. Even after all these years, the pain has not left. David’s family wishes they had convinced him to stay home with them the night prior.

“It was unbelievable. We were very numb for months; he was supposed to come home and he never did. We just wish he would’ve stayed home that night,” Tamara said.

The family continues to live each day without their brother and son. While there are days that are harder to get through than others, they continue to remember David for the man he was.

“Since the loss, his birthday has been the hardest day to get past. It’s still unbelievable and I don’t think we will ever get over the fact that he’s not here,” Tamara said.

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If you have any information on these unsolved murders, please contact the Kissimmee Police Department at (407) 846-3333. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.

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