Joaquin Ramon Perez, a 60-year-old Hispanic male, passed away on May 5, 2020, in Tavares, Florida. Born in Manhattan, New York, Joaquin moved to Lake County in 1981 from Staten Island, NY. He served in the U.S. Army and Navy and worked as a Corrections Officer before retiring. Joaquin was known for his dedication to helping children, including those with special needs, and was beloved by his family and community for his jovial and caring nature.
The circumstances surrounding Joaquin's
death were tragic and involved a domestic dispute. On the evening of May 5, 2020, Joaquin was shot and killed by his 32-year-old son, Matthew Perez, at their home on Marsh Harbor Drive in Tavares. According to police reports, the incident occurred during an argument over a lock on a gate and whether Joaquin could invite his daughter to the home. Matthew Perez, who had been living with his father, called 911 immediately after the shooting and confessed to the crime. He claimed that he shot his father because he felt threatened, although he was unable to provide specific examples of such threats during police interviews.
Matthew Perez was arrested and charged with premeditated first-degree murder. He was booked into the Lake County Jail and held without bond, with his arraignment set for June 1, 2020. The police investigation revealed that Matthew had made vague but potentially violent comments about his father online in the weeks leading up to the incident. Despite his claims of self-defense, the only articulated threat was related to his father's actions regarding the lock on the gate, which Matthew felt compromised his safety.
The case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the relationship between the victim and the suspect. Joaquin's death was a profound loss to his family and the community, who remembered him for his service, kindness, and dedication to helping others. The Perez family set up an online memorial for Joaquin, directing donations to his daughter, Christina Perez, to support her during this difficult time.
