Steven Schelmety, a 32-year-old resident of Lakeland, Florida, tragically lost his life on February 15, 2019. He was the owner of Artillery Motor Sports, a business located near Lakeland Linder International Airport. On the night of his death, Steven and his father, Estaban, were opening the bay door of their business when they were ambushed by a shooter.
Steven was struck by multiple bullets and died at the scene, while his father was critically injured and transported to Lakeland Regional Health. The incident was a shock to the community, as Steven was well-known and respected in the area.
The investigation into Steven's death quickly led to the arrest of Juan Alejandro Vargas Diaz, a 28-year-old family friend. Vargas Diaz was apprehended in Miami on February 23, 2019, just days after the murder. According to the Lakeland Police Department, Vargas Diaz had a close relationship with the Schelmety family, having stayed with them during Hurricane Irma in 2017. He was described as a mentee of Steven, sharing a common interest in vehicle mechanics. Despite this seemingly close relationship, Vargas Diaz was charged with first-degree murder for the calculated and brutal attack on Steven.
The evidence against Vargas Diaz was substantial. Surveillance footage from the business and toll road records showed his vehicle traveling from Miami to Lakeland and back on the night of the murder. The shooter, identified as Vargas Diaz, fired at least 21 bullets from a modified high-capacity 9mm EVO 3 S1 firearm, striking Steven multiple times. The attack was described by investigators as an intentional assassination, with Vargas Diaz waiting outside the business for several minutes before opening fire. The motive for the murder remains unclear, but the evidence pointed to a premeditated act of violence.
In the aftermath of the arrest, the community and Steven's family were left to grapple with the senseless loss. The case garnered significant media attention, highlighting the tragic circumstances and the swift action by law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. The legal proceedings against Vargas Diaz continued, with the charges of first-degree murder carrying the potential for severe penalties. The investigation and subsequent arrest underscored the importance of community vigilance and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to solve such heinous crimes.
