Iraq Veteran From Avon Shot to Death Leaving Alabama Home for Gym

An Iraq war veteran who grew up in Avon, Connecticut, was killed while leaving his central Alabama home for an early morning workout early Tuesday morning.

Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector issued a news release saying 33-year-old Jonathan Michael "Mike" Gilotti encountered someone in his driveway or his car just before 5 a.m. and was fatally shot once.

Rector said authorities are investigating at least 10 car break-ins overnight in the same neighborhood, a suburb south of Birmingham.

He said Gilotti might have stumbled upon the robber while leaving for the gym.

Around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, police found a stolen older Ford F-250 pickup matching the description of the vehicle leaving Gilott's neighborhood after the murder and found items stolen during vehicle break-ins in the area, according to a news release from police.

Gilotti, a native of Avon, was a 2001 graduate of Avon High School, where he was captain of the football team. He was also on the wrestling, track and lacrosse teams.

"It is a tragic loss and our sincere condolences go out to the family," Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson said in a statement.

He served as a U.S. Army tank commander, first lieutenant and platoon leader in the 12th Cavalry Regiment.

Gilotti was married and had two sons, according to the GoFundMe page set up to raise money for his family.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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