Nelson Montero, a 63-year-old Hispanic man, was tragically shot and killed on July 26, 2018, in Orlando, Florida. The incident occurred at a 7-Eleven store located on Orange Blossom Trail, near the Florida Turnpike. According to witnesses and law enforcement reports, the altercation began when Montero approached a vehicle and asked for change. This seemingly innocuous request escalated into a fatal confrontation.
The suspects involved in the shooting were identified as Bryant Alexi
Rodriguez-Virella, a 17-year-old male, and Alexander Berrios, a 38-year-old male. Rodriguez-Virella, who was in the vehicle with Berrios, reportedly became angry with Montero and shot him. Witnesses recounted seeing Montero approach the car and then being shot after a brief exchange. Montero died at the scene from his injuries.
Law enforcement officers who were nearby heard the gunfire and saw a red Hyundai Elantra speeding away from the scene. They pursued the vehicle and eventually apprehended both suspects after a short chase. Rodriguez-Virella was charged with second-degree murder and was later charged as an adult. He confessed to the shooting, stating that he was angry because Montero had been persistently asking him about buying drugs. Rodriguez-Virella admitted that Montero was unarmed and had not threatened him in any way. He also revealed that he discarded the murder weapon, a 9 mm pistol, in a wooded area after fleeing the vehicle.
Berrios, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. He was arrested and later released on a $2,000 bond. The case against Rodriguez-Virella proceeded with the possibility of a life sentence due to the severity of the charges. The tragic death of Nelson Montero highlighted the senseless nature of the violence and the impact it had on the community.
