Teen killed in Osceola County shooting over dispute involving girl, sheriff says
Florida teen killed in shooting over girl, sheriff's says
A 19-year-old aspiring fashion designer who dreamed of joining the military was shot and killed last month in what investigators are calling an ambush stemming from a teenage dispute over a girl, authorities said.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A 19-year-old was killed in an April 11 shooting tied to a fight over a girl in Osceola County.
‘He was a go-getter… taken from us so young’
What we know:
A 19-year-old aspiring fashion designer who dreamed of joining the military was shot and killed last month in what investigators are calling an ambush stemming from a teenage dispute over a girl, authorities said.
Nico Herrera was fatally shot on April 11 at the Sandalwood Mobile Home Park in St. Cloud.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said Herrera and four other teenagers were driving past a planned meeting spot when 42-year-old Orvill Osorio-Ortiz allegedly interjected himself into the dispute and opened fire.
Herrera was struck and died shortly after. Another teen was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
Nico Herrera (L) was fatally shot on April 11 at the Sandalwood Mobile Home Park in St. Cloud. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said Herrera and four other teenagers were driving past a planned meeting spot when 42-year-old Orvill Osorio-Ortiz all
Osorio-Ortiz was arrested on Tuesday in Pasco County and faces one count of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. He was also on probation for aggravated assault at the time of the incident.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not publicly identified the teen victim or the other individuals involved in the altercation. It remains unclear how Osorio-Ortiz became involved in the conflict between teenagers or what his relationship, if any, was to those involved.
The backstory:
Deputies said a group of teenagers arranged to meet to fight over a girl. During the confrontation, Osorio-Ortiz allegedly arrived and opened fire. Shell casings recovered at the scene reportedly matched his weapon, and several eyewitnesses placed him at the location during the shooting.
What they're saying:
Authorities say the conflict began over text messages and that Osorio-Ortiz, who knew the teens, was on probation for aggravated assault at the time of the shooting.
"This case is a heartbreaking example of senseless violence," said Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez. "Because of that one stupid decision of Mr. Osorio-Ortiz, a 19-year-old is dead — a son, a friend, a life that was cut short for no reason."
Herrera’s grandfather, Marcos Meza, said the teen had been working toward his high school diploma and running a clothing brand called Revenge Riches.
"He was a go-getter. I just feel so bad that he was taken from us so young," Meza said.
Despite the arrest, Meza said the family is focused on preserving Herrera’s legacy.
"I don’t want Nico to just be remembered as the kid who was taken too soon," he said. "I want him to be remembered for the things he was going to do with his life."
The sheriff said Osorio-Ortiz was on probation for a charge of aggravated assault at the time of the shooting.
"Let this case serve as a reminder of the tragic consequences that can result when anger meets access to a weapon," Lopez added. "Now, Mr. Osorio-Ortiz will have time to think about his bad decision behind bars."
What's next:
Family members said Herrera will be awarded his GED posthumously during a graduation ceremony next month.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office and Nico Herrera’s grandfather, Marcos Meza.