SARASOTA, FL – Detectives charged two men including a convicted felon in connection with the fatal shooting that took place Sunday in Sarasota at the Day Night Convenience Store on Desoto Road.
Through an investigation coupled with surveillance video, detectives identified 20-year-old Rafael Gonzalez, 37-year-old Roberto Ruiz, and 31-year-old Nichole Vasquez as the three individuals involved in the shooting. The victim, who is not being identified under protections afforded by Marsy’s Law, died after Gonzalez shot him in the arm, chest, and head.
Today, with help from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Gonzalez was found at his aunt’s house in Dover, wearing the same shirt he wore during the homicide. He is charged today with Second Degree Murder.
Ruiz remains in custody on a single count of Principal to Second Degree Murder while Vasquez, of Wauchula, is in custody at the Manatee County Jail on unrelated charges.
“This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending however, the sheriff’s office would like to thank the many agencies who supported us throughout this investigation,” the Sarasota Police Department said.