LCSO Detectives have made an arrest in Friday’s homicide in Lehigh Acres.
Lazaro Hernandez, of 3905 SW 25th Street, Lehigh Acres is charged with second-degree murder and aggravated battery after deputies say he shot one man dead and a second man in the leg during what detectives say was a drug transaction.
According to investigators, the victim, Danny Jimenez, and an associate were at 1109 Corry St. E. awaiting the suspect, later identified as Hernandez and a second man to arrive for the purpose of a drug sale.
After the men arrived, the transaction continued in the kitchen area of the home. At some point, Jimenez went up to the second story of the house leaving the witness with the two men. The victim and witness had left a .45 caliber pistol on the counter as they started to feel more comfortable with the transaction, investigators said.
After a brief conversation, detectives say Hernandez retrieved the pistol from the counter and fired several rounds at the witness stating, “this is so you don’t come after me.”
Hernandez struck the witness in the leg before fleeing upstairs in an apparent attempt to attack Jimenez, investigators say.
Jimenez heard the gunfire and retrieved his own gun, firing several rounds down the stairwell. As Jimenez reached the bottom of the stairwell, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds that proved to be fatal.
During the commotion, the witness who had been shot in the leg was able to escape and find help.
Detectives say the witness positively identified Hernandez as the shooter and sole aggressor during the altercation.
Investigators say Jimenez was pressing criminal charges against the brother-in-law of Hernandez for a previous incident. They believe that was a motive for the shooting.