A workplace dispute escalated into a tragic and deadly shooting early Monday morning in St. Lucie County, leaving a 29-year-old man dead and a teenager facing serious charges.
According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the victim, Mario Jose Romero Alonzo, was not the intended target. Deputies said Alonzo was asleep on a couch inside the home when he was shot and killed.
Investigators believe the 17-year-old suspect, who worked in construction with Alonzo’s brother, had recently been fired and went to the residence intending to confront the brother. Authorities say the teen was attempting to “settle a score” over the workplace dispute.
“When he couldn’t find him, he then turned his sights on our victim, who was basically sleeping on the couch,” said Richard Del Toro, sheriff of St. Lucie County.
The teenager has been charged with homicide and tampering with evidence. Officials said his 20-year-old cousin is also facing charges after allegedly attempting to hide the suspect in his vehicle and flee toward Miami.
Authorities confirmed the investigation remains active. Deputies are also examining the suspect’s immigration status as part of the ongoing case.
The tragic incident has left a family mourning the loss of a loved one who, according to investigators, was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
