FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — Deputies have arrested two people, including a 17-year-old accused of pulling the trigger in a deadly Fort Pierce shooting that investigators say stemmed from a workplace dispute — and ended with the wrong man killed.
According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the teen suspect, identified as 17-year-old Antony Ramos, had recently been fired from a construction job and went looking for a coworker early Monday morning. Detectives say Ramos instead shot 29-year-old Mario Alonzo, who had moved to the area from Jacksonville just three days earlier.
The fatal shooting happened around 12:45 a.m. on Oleander Avenue, near Kanner Drive.
Victim Found Inside Home on Oleander Avenue
Just before 12:45 a.m. Monday, deputies responded to a home on Oleander Avenue for reports of a person shot. When they arrived, they found Alonzo lying inside his brother’s home with a gunshot wound. The shooter was already gone.
At a Tuesday press conference, Sheriff Richard Del Toro said Ramos had a disagreement with the person he intended to confront.
“The suspect was let go from the company not too long ago and we believe that was the motive for him to carry this out,” Del Toro said.
Investigators believe Ramos went to the home expecting to find the man he was looking for. When he didn’t, Del Toro said the teen turned his attention toward Alonzo, who was asleep on the couch.
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Suspect Entered Unlocked Home With Friend
Sheriff Del Toro said Ramos entered the unlocked home while armed, accompanied by a friend. That friend later called 911 and turned himself into officials.
Officials said there is no indication that the friend was aware of the murder that was going to be carried out and as a result is not facing any charges.
“He’s freaking out after what just happened. He didn’t want any part of it,” Del Toro added. “He’s scared obviously what the consequences could be for something like that so he contacted us.”
Arrest Made During Traffic Stop; Deputies Suspect They Were Trying to Leave the Area
Investigators witnessed Antony Ramos and his cousin Florencio Ramos left their home located at 928 Wagner Place. Not long after, deputies along with the Port St Lucie Police Department, conducted a traffic stop on the van. Investigators found Florencio behind the wheel and Antony hiding in the rear, wearing a hoodie and a hat in an apparent attempt to conceal himself. Both men were taken into custody without incident. Officials believe the pair may have been attempting to head back to Miami, where Ramos’ mother lives.
Authorities also executed a search warrant at that home on Wagner Place, located just blocks from the shooting scene.
Evidence Recovered in Nearby Woods
Detectives searched a wooded area near the scene and found a discarded white T-shirt and a 9mm handgun they believe was used in the shooting.
Del Toro offered condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Charges Filed
Antony Ramos is charged with homicide and tampering with evidence. The State Attorney’s Office may seek to charge him as an adult.
His cousin Florencio Ramos is charged with accessory after the fact and is being held at the St. Lucie County Jail.
FEBRUARY 16, 2026 – The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced it will hold a 2 p.m. news conference after deputies found a man shot and killed on Oleander Avenue in Fort Pierce and placed a juvenile in custody as part of an active investigation into the homicide (WPEC)
Neighbors told CBS12 they were shocked by the violence, describing frantic family members at the scene and noting ongoing issues in the area.
Deputies have continued interviewing neighbors at both homes as the investigation develops.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out to the SLCSO Criminal Investigation Division at (772) 462-7300 or via email at CrimeTips@stluciesheriff.gov.