One of two suspects wanted in the June 15 fatal shooting at an area known locally as “La Curva” on Stock Island was arrested early Tuesday morning in Mexico.
Jose Luis Espinosa Gomez, 34, “is in a Mexican jail and awaiting extradition back to the United States and ultimately to Monroe County to face his charges,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay told Keys Weekly on Tuesday afternoon, July 21. “You’ll see in his photo that he looks like a very unhappy young man.”
The suspect’s brother, Mayque Marin Gomez, 31, is also wanted in the shooting that killed one man and left another in critical condition. “The other suspect, who is the brother of the one we arrested, remains on the lam as of now,” Ramsay said. “But we are staying vigilant in our efforts on this case and we thank our law enforcement partners in Texas, Mexico, the FBI and the U.S. Marshal’s office.”
Jose Manuel Clemente, 45, of Stock Island, was pronounced dead at the scene. Iliecer Noa, 43, also of Stock Island, was airlifted via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center in critical condition following the shooting.
The missing suspect is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who sees Mayque Marin Gomez should not make any efforts to approach him, but should immediately call 911, detectives said, adding that they believe the shootings of Clemente and Noa were targeted hits, and not random acts of violence.
The murder and shooting investigation began at 4:50 p.m. on June 15, when the sheriff’s office responded to 5515 5th Ave., Stock Island.
According to witnesses, the two suspects arrived on a black scooter at a shack in the lobster and stone crab trap yards, where the victims were located. Witnesses said an argument involving the word “Mercedes” preceded the shooting. One witness said both suspects were armed.
Detectives and SWAT team members on June 16 searched a Meridian West Apartment on Shrimp Road, where the two suspects reportedly had lived, but neither was found at the time.
Detectives did retrieve two handguns and some clothing from the suspects’ apartment. It was not known whether the handguns and clothing were involved in or worn during the shooting, sheriff’s office spokesman Adan Linhardt said at the time.
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the sheriff’s office at 305-289-2351.
Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 866-471-8477. Tips also can be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com. Tips also can be submitted via social media such as Facebook at Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys: click on “contact us.”
