LEESBURG, Fla. – Two people have been formally charged with murder months after an 18-year-old was found shot to death inside a car at Berry Park in Leesburg, according to the state attorney’s office.
The state attorney’s office in Lake County formally charged James Fenderson IV with principle to murder in the third degree and possession of firearms unlawful by felon and delinquents while D’yuntre Jeraun Wright was formally charged with murder in the second degree.
Leesburg police officers on Dec. 14 responded to Berry Park, where they found Juan Gomez Jr. shot inside a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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According to a probable cause affidavit, a burglary happened nearby and the victim identified the suspects, who they knew personally. The description also matched what witnesses described as the two individuals seen getting in and out of Gomez Jr’s vehicle, the affidavit reads.
According to the affidavit, Fenderson IV and Gomez Jr. had arranged to meet at the park for a gun purchase. The two discussed that Gomez Jr. would offer $175 in cash and two marijuana edibles for a .45 caliber gun.
Wright was in the front passenger seat while Fenderson IV was in the back seat when Wright shot Gomez Jr., according to the affidavit. The affidavit also shows there were two additional people in the vehicle when the fatal shooting happened.
Fenderson IV and Wright are being held without bond.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Leesburg Police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.