Police: Man shot to death outside Orlando dialysis center

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Dozens of Orange County sheriff's deputies surrounded the Colonial Corners shopping center for hours after a call came into 911 reporting a shooting.  It happened around 7 a.m. as the victim was walking into a dialysis center, located in the shopping center near Colonial Drive and Kirkman Road.

People who work in neighboring businesses were shocked to learned that Greg Whitbeck, a clinical social worker at the dialysis center, was shot dead in the parking lot on his way in to work.  Detectives say they believe Whitbeck is an innocent victim. 

Deputies say the 55-year-old had just gotten out of his car when a man and woman walked up and shot him. 

"We don't know why he was approached. We don't have any reason to believe anything was taken or any demands were made, but that could be a possibility," said OSCO spokesperson Rose Silva.

Emergency crews rushed Whitbeck to the hospital, but he didn't make it.  Terrance Flagg works a few doors down from the dialysis center.  He said he saw Whitbeck daily. 

"Every time I seen him he always had smiles. He always had something encouraging to say. Always joking around with his co-workers, seems like a pretty good man," said Flagg. 

He says Whtbeck seemed to love his job and helping others. 

"His demeanor was happy and gay, not aggressive.  Always outgoing, always smiles, for someone to do that, something is just wrong," said Whitbeck.

Fresenius Medical Care West Orlando dialysis stayed closed all day Friday, referring patients to their nearby clinics.  Fresenius brought in grief counselors for staff and patients.