Teen Accused of Fatal Shooting Over Work Dispute

Authorities say the 17-year-old suspect targeted the victim's brother, a former co-worker, but ended up killing the brother instead.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 17-year-old boy named Antony Ramos has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Mario Jose Romero Alonzo in St. Lucie County, Florida. According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff, the motive for the shooting appears to stem from a work-related dispute between Ramos and Alonzo's brother, who had previously worked with Ramos. Ramos allegedly went to the home looking for Alonzo's brother to "settle a score" after being let go from the construction company they worked at, but ended up shooting and killing Alonzo instead when he couldn't find the intended target.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of workplace disputes escalating to violence, as well as the ease with which young people can obtain firearms despite their age. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of background checks and gun control measures in preventing such tragedies.

The details

According to Sheriff Richard Del Toro, Ramos and an 18-year-old companion went to the home on Oleander Avenue where the shooting took place. When Ramos couldn't find Alonzo's brother, the intended target, he allegedly turned his gun on Alonzo instead, killing him. The 18-year-old who was with Ramos called 911 afterwards to turn himself in, though he is not facing charges. Investigators later tracked down Ramos and his cousin Florencio Ramos, who was arrested as an accessory after the fact. Police also recovered the 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m. on February 16, 2026.
  • The 18-year-old called 911 to turn himself in around 1:35 a.m. on February 16, 2026.

The players

Antony Ramos

A 17-year-old boy who has been arrested and charged with the murder of Mario Jose Romero Alonzo.

Mario Jose Romero Alonzo

A 29-year-old man who was fatally shot by Antony Ramos, allegedly as a result of a work dispute between Ramos and Alonzo's brother.

Richard Del Toro

The St. Lucie County Sheriff who provided details about the investigation and motive for the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“He didn't want any part of it. He's scared obviously what the consequences could be for something like that.”

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

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine how the 17-year-old suspect, Antony Ramos, obtained the 9mm handgun used in the shooting. The case will now move forward through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for better workplace dispute resolution mechanisms and stronger gun control measures to prevent young people from accessing firearms, in order to avoid such senseless acts of violence stemming from personal conflicts.