On March 2, 2019, Juan Duque, a 29-year-old Hispanic male, was fatally shot at the Sunshine Flea Market in suburban West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when Duque and two other individuals were involved in a confrontation with a security guard named Edel Martin. The altercation began after Martin asked them to leave the premises.
Initially, Martin used pepper spray to subdue the group, but when they continued to advance towards him, he fired two shots, hitting Duque in the torso. Duque was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:02 p.m.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) conducted an investigation into the shooting. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Division were involved in examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The authorities ultimately ruled that the security guard's actions were justified, concluding that he acted in self-defense during the confrontation.
Despite the ruling, the case did not end there. Juan Duque's sister filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Edel Martin and the security firm that employed him. The lawsuit alleged that the use of lethal force was unnecessary and that the security guard and his employer were responsible for Duque's death. This legal action aimed to seek justice and accountability for the tragic loss of Juan Duque.
The incident and subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the complexities and challenges involved in cases of self-defense and the use of force by security personnel. The community and Duque's family were left grappling with the aftermath of the shooting, seeking answers and closure for the untimely death of the 29-year-old Hispanic male. The case remains a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between security measures and the preservation of life.
