Update: Police Identify Person of Interest in PG Murder

Police say they have identified a person of interest in the murder of 17‑year‑old Jimmy Cus and the wounding of 18‑year‑old Darwin Meraz, and that individual is now being sought.

Investigators are also exploring whether the attack is linked to another recent murder in Punta Gorda. “An angle that is being pursued is this incident’s connection with a recent murder incident that occurred in Punta Gorda Town,” explained ASP Stacy Smith.

According to Smith, both victims were known to police, and efforts had previously been made by officers and community groups to guide them toward more positive paths. “Several rounds of mediation were undertaken… to have them become more productive citizens of society,” Smith said, adding that those efforts ultimately “proved to be a challenge”.

The shooting happened Wednesday night, just before 8:00, when officers were alerted to gunfire on New Road. Responding police found Cus unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Meraz, who had been shot in the leg, was treated at the Punta Gorda Community Hospital.

Smith said investigators believe the two were walking in the area when they were targeted. “Cus and Meraz were walking on New Road when they were accosted by a male person who fired several shots,” she said.

Police continue to pursue leads as they work to determine motive and possible connections to other violent incidents in the town.