Teen Arrested for Fatal Shooting in St. Lucie County

Authorities say the 17-year-old suspect was searching for someone else to settle a dispute when he shot and killed a 29-year-old man.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 17-year-old named Antony Ramos has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing 29-year-old Mario Jose Romero Alonzo in St. Lucie County, Florida early Monday morning. According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Ramos was searching for someone else to settle a dispute with when he shot Alonzo, who was not the intended victim.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the tragic consequences it can have, even when the intended target is not the victim. The sheriff described the case as "very sad and troubling," underscoring the impact such events have on local communities.

The details

Authorities say Ramos went to a home on Orleander Avenue around 12:45 a.m. on Monday looking to settle a dispute with someone, but when he couldn't find that person, he shot and killed Alonzo, who had arrived in the area from Jacksonville just three days earlier. Ramos then fled the scene on foot before being apprehended later that morning along with his 20-year-old cousin Florencio Martinez Ramos, who is facing an accessory charge.

  • The shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Ramos and his cousin were taken into custody around 8:30 a.m. the same day.

The players

Antony Ramos

A 17-year-old who has been charged with murder for the fatal shooting.

Mario Jose Romero Alonzo

A 29-year-old man who was killed in the shooting, though he was not the intended target.

Florencio Martinez Ramos

The 20-year-old cousin of Antony Ramos who is facing an accessory charge.

Richard Del Toro

The St. Lucie County Sheriff who described the case as "very sad and troubling."

Toussaint Vosant

A neighbor who expressed shock about the incident, saying he had never seen anything like it in the 20 years he has lived there.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how it happened, but it happened, it's so sad. I've been living here for about 20 years, and I've never seen anything like it.”

— Toussaint Vosant, Neighbor (wpbf.com)

“He went there looking for the brother basically to settle a score from an issue at work where he was let go, and when he couldn't find him or get access to him, he basically turned the gun on our victim.”

— Richard Del Toro, St. Lucie County Sheriff (wpbf.com)

“Very sad, very sad and troubling.”

— Richard Del Toro, St. Lucie County Sheriff (wpbf.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for the two suspects.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater community efforts to address gun violence and provide support for those dealing with disputes, in order to prevent such senseless loss of life.