Video above: Homicide investigation underway after 14-year-old with ‘upper body trauma’ dies in Plant City
PLANT CITY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two additional suspects were charged with murdering a 14-year-old boy during an attempted robbery in Plant City last year.
Miguel Angel Romo, Jr., aged 20, and Gustavo Ramirez, aged 24, were arrested last month with charges of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery, as revealed by the Plant City police on Thursday.
The initial suspect, Abraham Melendez, 24, was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
According to the police, the 14-year-old victim was among several males who drove to the vicinity of West House Street and Lakewood Avenue on February 29, 2024, with the intent to rob an acquaintance. This robbery was triggered by a dispute involving $50.
The 14-year-old and an 18-year-old were shot, and they were taken to the hospital by Melendez. The teenager died from his injuries.
“These cases are incredibly complex and require extensive collaboration, determination, and resources,” stated Plant City Police Chief Richard Mills, Jr. “The dedicated staff of the Plant City Police Department is fully committed to employing every available tool, technology, and partnership to ensure justice for victims’ families and to uphold the safety of our community.”
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and State Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
