If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or click the Submit a Tip button to anonymously provide information. We want your information, not your name! We will pay a cash reward of up to $3,000 if your tip leads to an arrest.
Reward increased in murder of Lehigh grandfather
March 02, 2021
STATUS: SOLVED
As the sixth anniversary of the brutal murder of a Lehigh Acres grandfather approaches, Crime Stoppers is announcing an increase in the reward for information leading to an arrest.
Hemchand Bhagwandin and his wife were babysitting their granddaughter when two masked assailants broke into their home around 10:30 p.m. on March 15, 2015. The men restrained Bhagwandin's wife with zipties and made her watch as they savagely beat the 68 year old to death. To date, numerous tips have been received in this case, however none have led to an arrest. Today, Crime Stoppers is increasing the reward to $9,500 for information that leads to an arrest in Mr. Bhagwandin's case.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has partnered with the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers and the Florida Office of the Attorney General for an additional $6,500 in reward money, which is in addition to the $3,000 being provided by our local program. The additional reward money is available only through June 30, 2021, and tips must come through Crime Stoppers in order to be eligible for payment.
"The murder of Mr. Bhagwandin was one of the most brutal acts of violence imaginable. His family struggles every single day knowing that the men responsible for his death have yet to be held accountable," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We are confident that there are people in our community who know who his attackers were - we just need them to come forward. We are hopeful that the enhanced reward will be the incentive someone needs to finally step up and do the right thing."
Anyone with information on the murder of Hemchand Bhagwandin is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $9,500 (through June 30, 2021 only). Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Deadly hit and run of Devin Federly hits five year mark
February 26, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Today, sadly, marks five years since Port Charlotte teenager Devin Federly was killed in a horrific hit and run crash. Devin, who was 14 at the time, was riding his bike with some friends along State Street when the driver of a silver Chevy Silverado struck Devin and left him for dead along the side of the road. It's now been five years and still the driver has yet to be located and charged. Time can change people and their perspective. Maybe people who know who killed Devin were apprehensive to come forward initially, but the truth needs to come out. The person who took Devin's life does not deserve to be protected. His family misses him every single day, but today is an especially difficult one knowing that this driver is still living his/her life as a free person and Devin has been deprived of his future. If you know ANYTHING about the driver who killed Devin, please call us at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. It is never too late to do the right thing!
UPDATE - Juveniles tied to two crimes in one morning
February 22, 2021
STATUS: CLOSED
After multiple Crime Stoppers tips were received on the two young men wanted in connection with Monday morning's burglary and armed robbery, detectives with the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Violent Crimes Unit quickly identified and apprehended Felix Ayala (DOB 3/4/08) last night. Ayala has been charged with burglary, robbery with a weapon and resisting an officer. A second suspect has also been identified and a warrant is currently pending for his arrest. Crime Stoppers thanks the community for its quick response and assistance with helping solve this crime in less than 24 hours.
ORIGINAL RELEASE: FEBRUARY 22, 2021
It was a busy morning for two young men, who are wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station, as well as an attempted burglary of a local business.
Their spree started around 1 a.m. today, February 22nd, when the duo were caught on video smashing the front door of Larry's Jewelry and Pawn Shop, located at 11430 S. Cleveland Avenue. When the glass door shattered to pieces, the businesses alarm went off and the two young suspects fled. Just over an hour later, they turned up at the Wawa gas station, located just down the street at 12701 S. Cleveland Avenue. After meandering around the store, reportedly acting suspiciously, the young men went behind the counter and started removing e-cigarettes from the display. When a cashier approached, one of the boys held up a hammer and told the woman to back off. The two then fled out the rear entrance of the store.
"We understand that these are young men, however they have now committed two felony crimes, and upon their identification and arrests, they will be charged accordingly," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "Just because they are young does not mean they are immune to facing the consequences of their actions."
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of these suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Tip leads to capture of accused child abuser & 10 Most Wanted fugitive
February 09, 2021
STATUS: CAPTURED
After more than seven months on the run, one of Crime Stoppers 10 Most Wanted fugitives is finally in custody on charges of aggravated child abuse.
Jeremy Rodriguez (DOB 10/11/83) was taken into custody late last night in Harlingen, Texas by US Marshals, where he had been hiding out with his brother. Rodriguez had been on the run since July 2020 with a bench warrant for child cruelty, and then a subsequent warrant issued in October 2020 for aggravated child abuse. Rodriguez is accused of severely beating a three month old baby, causing skull fractures and other injuries. Witnesses said they saw Rodriguez hitting the child with a closed fist, sticking his fingernails into the baby's neck, as well as throwing heavy toys at the infant.
A Crime Stoppers tip was recently received, indicating that Rodriguez had fled the state and was hiding out with family in Texas. Members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Fugitive Warrants Unit, in conjunction with the US Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force, worked in tandem with their counterparts in Texas over the last few days, and subsequently were able to bring Rodriguez into custody late Monday night. He will be extradited back to Lee County in the near future.
Rodriguez is a multi-time offender, with previous arrests for the sale and delivery of cocaine, aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, domestic violence by strangulation and a sexual offense on a victim between the ages of 12 and 15. Upon his return to Lee County, Rodriguez will be held without bond.
"Jeremy Rodriguez's arrest is proof that even though time may pass, we are always seeking out these fugitives," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We are thankful for every tip we received in this case, but particularly for the one tipster who did the right thing and helped ensure that Rodriguez cannot hurt anyone again."
Early morning armed robber at large
February 06, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Early this morning, just after 5 a.m., an unknown suspect walked into the Circle K store, located at 17170 San Carlos Boulevard. He immediately showed the clerk a large fixed blade knife with a green handle and demanded money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the store, possibly on a bicycle, headed northbound on San Carlos Boulevard towards Summerlin Road. He is described as a white male, 5'6", medium build, approximately 30 to 40 years old, wearing a Tampa Bay baseball cap. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this armed suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Missing for one year... #TheSearchContinues for missing 78-year-old Porter Albert
January 26, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
The Fort Myers Police Department continues the search for 78-year-old Porter Taylor Albert, who was last seen on video surveillance buying items at Big Lots store located at 13970 North Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers on January 15, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. Albert is known to frequent the 3000 block of Cleveland Avenue. Albert was officially reported missing by his family on January 21st. Police say there may be suspicious circumstances surrounding Albert’s disappearance.
If you have seen Porter Albert or have any information regarding his disappearance, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or you can submit a tip online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
UPDATE #3 - Information still sought in Charlotte death investigation
January 22, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
* UPDATE #3
In the continued quest for anonymous tips in the death of Gage Jackson, the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction has now been increased to $103,000.
The additional reward money is being offered by an anonymous donor, and is in addition to the $3,000 being offered by Crime Stoppers. A new billboard was posted in Punta Gorda on US 41, just south of Alligator Creek, announcing the increased reward.
Anyone with information on Gage's death is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or to submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
* UPDATE #2 - March 15, 2020
As the one year anniversary of the death investigation of Port Charlotte teen Gage Jackson approaches, an anonymous donor has increased the reward for information leading to an arrest in this case to $50,000.
This amount is in addition to the $3,000 being offered by Crime Stoppers. Flyers announcing the increased reward, and necessity for tips, will also be distributed in an upcoming edition of the Charlotte Sun.
"We are very confident that there are people in our community who know exactly what happened to Gage, and who is responsible for his death," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "If you happen to be someone who has information that can provide answers in this case, we need to hear from you. Although it's been almost a year since this happened, it's never to late to step up and do the right thing."
Anyone with information on the death investigation of Gage Jackson is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $50,000 from the anonymous donor and up to $3,000 from Crime Stoppers. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip through the P3 Tips mobile app.
* UPDATE #1 - October 4, 2019
In hopes of securing new leads in the death investigation of 19 year old Gage Jackson, the reward for information leading to a conclusion of this case has now been increased to $28,000.
An anonymous donor has added to the previous reward fund with the goal of encouraging someone in the know, who has not yet shared their information with law enforcement, to come forward anonymously. The unnamed donor is offering a $25,000 reward, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward. Flyers announcing the increased reward, and the necessity for tips, are also being distributed in today’s edition of the Charlotte Sun.
Anyone with information on the death investigation of Gage Jackson is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of $25,000 from the anonymous donor and $3,000 from Crime Stoppers. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip through the P3Tips mobile app.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: JUNE 29, 2019
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help piecing together information on the death of a 19 year old Punta Gorda man who was found floating in a creek three months ago.
Gage Jackson was last seen in the area of Washington Loop Road in Punta Gorda on the evening of March 19th, around 11 p.m. Eleven days later, a boater spotted a body just south of the Prairie Creek Bridge; that body was identified shortly after as Gage Jackson.
In the three months since Gage’s body was found, detectives have been working to determine how he died and what circumstances surrounded his death. Gage was an avid outdoors-man, who spent much of his time hunting and fishing. He was skilled at maneuvering the elements of the woods and was very familiar with the local terrain. At this point, an anonymous donor is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that can help detectives come to a final resolution on how Gage died and how his body ended up in a waterway.
Anyone with information on Gage’s death, or any circumstances leading up to his death, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for that special reward of up to $10,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Help sought in solving murder of Lehigh teen
January 21, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
** UPDATE # 1 **
Late last night, Alize Fonseca (DOB 11/13/04) was arrested and charged for his involvement in the murder of CJ Wallace. Fonseca was charged with one count of homicide and two counts of armed robbery. He is the third suspect in this case, with Christian Couto and Austin Moore both previously charged for their roles in this brutal attack. Crime Stoppers thanks the community for information provided in this case, as well as the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Major Crimes Unit for their commitment to funding justice for CJ.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 28, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down information on the person or persons responsible for the murder of a Lehigh Acres teenager.
Just before 1 a.m. on August 14th, detectives responded to a home on 56th Street W. in response to a male who had been shot. 18-year-old CJ Wallace was found deceased, the victim of an unknown assailant. In the two weeks since his murder, detectives have been running down leads, however they are now asking for the public's help.
It is believed that the perpetrator knew CJ and may be familiar with the neighborhood. 56th Street W. is a dead end street, which means the suspect didn't randomly drive through the area. A description of the vehicle driven by the suspect isn't known.
Anyone with information on the murder of CJ Wallace is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
7 MONTHS LATER... The search continues for missing endangered Cape Coral woman
January 19, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Today marks 7 months since Lauren Dumolo, 30, was last seen. Lauren, who was 29 years old at the time, was last seen by her boyfriend on June 19, 2020 at their apartment on Coronado Parkway in Cape Coral and was reported missing on June 21st. Lauren's cell phone was discovered in the apartment, but her purse had been found by a citizen at Four Freedoms Park (4818 Tarpon Court) on June 19th, a place she was known to visit often. Lauren’s status as a missing person was changed to a missing person endangered on June 24th as a result of the investigation. Dumolo has several tattoos: “Namaste” on her right side, a symbol on her wrist, a “NY” symbol on her pelvis, and rosary beads on her ankle.
SWFL Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $3,000, and a private donor from Marco Island has pledged another $5,000 towards the reward to bring Lauren home. Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Lauren Dumolo is asked to call Crime Stoppers 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com.
Suspects sought in wake of North Fort Myers road rage assault
January 16, 2021
STATUS: CLOSED
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying a troop of motorcycle riders who violently assaulted a man during a road rage incident in North Fort Myers.
Last Saturday, January 9th, the victim was driving westbound on Pondella Road around 3:15 p.m. when he encountered a large group operating street performance motorcycles. The riders were recklessly speeding, cutting off motorists and blocking intersections to impede the flow of traffic. After the victim yelled at the suspects to stop blocking traffic, one man got off his motorcycle and smashed the victim's side view mirror. At that point, the other motorcycle riders stopped near the intersection of Pondella Road and Lamar Road and surrounded the victim and his car, smashing out all of the windows. The group then turned their attention to the victim, who they beat with a large wrench, as well as their helmets, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly kicking him, causing extensive injuries that required the victim to be trauma alerted to the hospital. Several bystanders interjected and broke up the attack, after which all the suspects fled on their motorcycles.
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Armed robbery suspects on the run
January 10, 2021
STATUS: WANTED
** UPDATE # 1 **
The suspects being sought in Friday night's armed robbery are now suspected of committing a second robbery last night.
On Saturday, January 9th, just after 8:15 p.m., a man walked into the Family Dollar Store, located at 8290 Aloha Road, pointed a gun at an employee and ordered her to open up the drop box. When she replied that she didn't have a key, the suspect proceeded to lock the front door, demanding her at gunpoint to give him all the cash from the register drawer. After the money was placed into a shopping bag, the man left the store and fled in a vehicle with a second suspect.
The suspect in last night's robbery was wearing the same grey and white camouflage hoodie as one of the suspect's in Friday night's robbery. Detectives strongly believe that both men from Friday's robbery are responsible for Saturday night's robbery.
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects from these robberies is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3TIps mobile app.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: JANUARY 9, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down two armed suspects who robbed a Lee County convenience store last night.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Friday, January 8th, two males walked into the Sky Food Mart, located at 17597 Rockefeller Circle. The males, both brandishing semi-automatic handguns, approached the clerk and demanded all the cash in the register. While pointing a gun directly at the clerk, one suspect reached over and grabbed the register drawer, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and coins. The suspects quickly left the store, headed on foot southbound on Rockefeller Circle, towards Constitution Circle. Both suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be submitted online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Teen targeted in attempted abduction
January 08, 2021
STATUS: CLOSED
** UPDATE # 1 **
Upon further interviews with the victim in this case, detectives this afternoon have determined that no attempted abduction took place. We appreciate everyone's assistance with this matter.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: JANUARY 8, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying a man who tried to abduct a teenager as she walked home from school yesterday afternoon.
The victim was walking westbound on Braman Avenue, near Broadway Avenue, around 4:30 p.m. on January 7th when a white male in a red pick-up truck approached her. The man told the female that he'd been watching her and that he noticed she didn't have her cell phone with her. At that point, he grabbed the victim by the back of her shirt and backpack in an attempt to pull her into the vehicle. In fear for her life, the victim bit the suspect's left forearm and managed to escape his grip. As she was running away, the teen noticed the suspect make a u-turn and drive back in the direction he came towards Broadway Ave.
The suspect is described as a heavyset male in his 50s, with red shoulder length hair, a red beard and an acne scarred face. He is believed to be driving a red Nissan Frontier. Anyone who may have been in the area of Braman and Broadway around the time of the attempted abduction, or who has information on the suspect, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE #2 - Search is on for Lee County bank robbery suspect
December 01, 2020
STATUS: IN CUSTODY
** UPDATE # 2 **
Within the last half hour, Glenn Michael Aiken has been charged with Friday's bank robbery of the MidWestOne Bank in Lee County. Aiken was identified through a Crime Stoppers tip over the weekend and, thanks to the quick investigative efforts by the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Violent Crimes Unit, he was apprehended this afternoon. Aiken is currently enroute to the Lee County Jail. His booking photo will be available later this evening.
Crime Stoppers thanks the community for its response in sharing tips about the case, and especially the one tipster whose anonymous tip led to his arrest this evening.
** UPDATE # 1 **
Additional photos of the bank robber
These two photos are from the Fifth Third Bank on 9000 Park Royal Drive where the same suspect entered the bank and acted suspiciously. When encountered by a bank employee he fled the scene.. No demands made, no weapons were seen by the suspect.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: November 27, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man who robbed a MidWestOne bank late this afternoon.
Around 4:30 p.m., a man walked in to the branch location at 8690 Gladiolus Drive and passed a teller an envelope and note demanding cash. As soon as the teller complied, the suspect left the bank on foot. At no point was a weapon displayed or implied. Witnesses say the suspect is a white male, between 30 and 40 years of age.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at
www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Tips needed in texting threats to Gateway Charter
November 18, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Last Friday, November 13th, two separate threats of violence were made towards Gateway Charter School in Lee County. Deputies and K-9 units quickly searched every square inch of the school's property and subsequently found the threat to be non-credible. And while every assurance is in place to make sure students were, and still remain, safe, the person who made those threats has yet to be identified. Crime Stoppers is asking the community, and students specifically, to come forward with any information they have on the person who wrote these threats. Making a threat of school violence is a felony crime with long-lasting repercussions, which only begin with an arrest record.
"We are confident that there are young adults who know exactly who made the threat at Gateway Charter School, and we need them to come forward anonymously to report what they know," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "Until we determine who is responsible, we don't know what their mindset was when making these threats. But let it be known that these threats are no joke - it's not funny to make statements like that to get out of class or disrupt the school day. When this individual is tracked down, and they will be, that felony arrest will impact every single thing in their future - from college opportunities to job applications. And to students who may not be coming forward in order to protect a friend, please don't remain quiet. A true friend wouldn't ask you to stay quiet about something as serious as this."
Anyone with information on the person responsible for the Gateway threats is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Tips still sought in Lehigh Acres cold case
October 30, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Nearly seven years after a Lehigh Acres man was gunned down in the doorway of his own home, Crime Stoppers continues to ask the public for help in finally tracking down his killer.
In the early morning hours of November 1, 2013, an unknown assailant gunned Robinson down at his home on 24th Street W. in Lehigh Acres. Despite the fact that there were several people at the home at that time, who witnessed the murder, few have been willing to share what they know, or what they saw, with detectives.
"Jaabin's family moved to Lee County from up north to escape the violence happening there, and then something like this happens," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "His family has endured seven years of heartache and pain and they deserve to know who did this to their son. The person who took Jaabin's life needs to be held responsible for his actions and Jaabin deserves to finally rest at peace."
Anyone with information on the murder of Jaabin Robinson is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed suspect at large following cell store robbery
October 20, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down an armed suspect who held up a Metro PCS store last night.
Just before 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18th, a white male in his 50s entered the Metro PCS, located at 5205 Palm Beach Boulevard. The man immediately walked up to the counter, pointed a black revolver at the clerk, and handed over a plastic shopping bag, demanding all the money in the register. After handing over an undisclosed amount of cash, the man left the store on foot, headed eastbound on Palm Beach Boulevard.
The suspect is described as approximately 5'5", with a thin build, salt and pepper colored hair, and short beard stubble, wearing a black shirt with a multi-colored logo and a red face mask. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in that immediate vicinity last night, with a suspect fitting this description, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
One person can make a difference in 27 year old homicide
October 15, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Tomorrow, October 16th, will mark 27 years since a Fort Myers man was burned to death in his car in a remote part of rural east Lee County. Although the murder of David Comparetto remains unsolved, Crime Stoppers is hopeful that someone in the know will finally come forward after all these years.
On October 16, 1993, 30 year old David Comparetto left his part-time job at a Fort Myers Publix store around 8:30 p.m. and was never heard from again. Later that night, his car was found on fire in east Lee County. Sadly, David's body was found inside the trunk. From the very beginning, investigators have felt that the person or persons responsible for David's murder may have frequented Mermaid's strip club, where David was also known to spend time.
Now, as the 27th anniversary of David's murder approaches, his family, investigators and Crime Stoppers are pleading with the community to finally identify David's killer or killers.
"The answers are out there - they always have been," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "For whatever reason, people who know who did this horrific thing to David have remained quiet all these years, and it's time for the silence to come to an end. David's family should not have to endure one more year without seeing justice served. His killer or killers do not deserve one more day of freedom and, most importantly, David needs to finally rest in peace."
Anyone with information about the 1993 murder of David Comparetto is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Anonymous tips needed in murder of Lee County mom
September 03, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help unearthing information that could help solve the murder of a Lehigh Acres mother of four.
It's been more than 20 months since Trenesa Roberts was killed after she left her home for work as a school bus driver. An unknown assailant gunned the 39 year old down around 6:30 a.m. on December 10, 2018 in the 2000 block of Quentin Avenue South. To date, limited information has been shared with investigators, and now Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help.
"Trenesa was a beloved sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter and, most importantly, mother," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "Her family has been struggling trying to wrap their heads around why someone would do this to her. They continue to visit her grave site every week and hope that one day very soon, they will be able to see justice served so that Trenesa can finally rest in peace."
Anyone with information on the murder of Trenesa Roberts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Service dog stolen from Lehigh home
August 24, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help finding a service dog who was stolen from a Lehigh Acres family just over a week ago.
The victim said her six month old Serbian Rottweiler named Kairo went missing from her home on Crossman Avenue S. in the early afternoon of Thursday, August 13th. She said she let Kairo out into the front yard around 1 p.m. to use the bathroom, and that there were no concerns because he has been trained to stay on the property. Roughly 10 minutes later, Kairo had disappeared. Despite an extensive search in the neighborhood and surrounding area, he has yet to be found and his owner, and law enforcement, believe he was intentionally stolen.
Kairo is a service dog who was being trained to detect blood sugar levels. He is black and rust in color and was last seen wearing a solid blue leather collar with metal military style dog tags.
Anyone who has seen Kairo, or who may have seen a suspicious vehicle in that neighborhood, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Lee County connections could help solve North Port murder
August 20, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
The murder of a Lehigh Acres man in North Port five months ago remains unsolved, but investigators and Crime Stoppers are hopeful that connections in Lee County could be key to finding a killer.
In the early morning hours of March 7, 2020, Javaris Miller was driving southbound on I-75 after leaving a club called "The Hall" in Palmetto, FL. Around 3:30 a.m., while approaching the Sumter Boulevard exit in North Port, someone shot at the car Miller was driving and killed the 22 year old. A witness reported that two vehicles were chasing Miller on I-75 moments before the shooting. As the investigation has progressed, detectives believe that Miller was targeted by a group of men from Lee County who they believe are responsible for his death.
Anyone familiar with Miller who may have first or second hand information about the March murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tps mobile app.
