And there was another murder last night in Punta Gorda - this time, the victim was a teenager. 17 year old Jimmy Cus was fatally shot just before 8:00. 18 year old Darwin Meraz was also injured in the attack, which happened while the two were walking together on Cero Road. According to ASP Stacy Smith, police had tried to work with Cus in the past. She gave us more details on this murder.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"The officers responded and upon their arrival, they observed the unresponsive body of Jimmy Cus, 17 years of age, which exhibited several apparent gunshot wounds. And they also met with 18-year-old Darwin Meraz, who also suffered a gunshot injury to the leg. What the ongoing investigation has disposed so far is that Cus and Meras were walking on a new road when they were accosted by a male person who fired several shots, resulted in the demise of Cus and the injury of Meras. Police have since identified a person of interest in relation to this incident, and that individual is now being sought. An angle that has been pursued is this incident's connection with a recent murder incident that occurred in Punta Gorda, Town. However, as more information is learned, that will be disposed to the media as it becomes necessary to do so."
Reporter
"Were the victims either the murder victim or gunshot victim, were they known to police?"
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"I spoke with the officer in command of Punta Gorda, Mr. Hamilton, and he did advise that his office and the community policing section of that formation have undertaken several rooms of mediation with a view to having Mr. Cus and Mr. Meras, who are very young in age, to be more productive citizens of society. So they were known to police and efforts were made to integrate them into productive practices. However, that proved to be a challenge."
