Stephen Belmonte, aged 53, was found dead on October 23, 2017, in Fort Myers, Florida. His body, along with that of 23-year-old Michael Sean Smith, was discovered at the Gulfstream Isles apartment complex on Red Cedar Drive. The incident also involved the death of Belmonte's dog, Sandy. The discovery was made after police were called to the apartment to investigate a reported shooting. Upon forcing entry, they found the bodies of Belmonte, Smith, and the dog.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths were initially unclear, but it was suggested that a dispute over the care of Belmonte's dog might have been a contributing factor. Belmonte had moved to a new apartment that did not allow pets, so his dog was being cared for at Smith's apartment. There were concerns about how the dog was being treated, which may have led to tensions between Belmonte and Smith.
The Fort Myers Police Department launched an investigation into the incident, but details remained scarce. The case was described as a shooting, and the police were working to determine the exact sequence of events and the motive behind the deaths. No arrests were made immediately following the incident, and the investigation was ongoing.
Belmonte's death was a shock to his family and friends, who remembered him as a kind and calm individual. His brother, John Belmonte, expressed his grief and confusion over the sudden and tragic loss. The community mourned the deaths and awaited further information from the authorities as the investigation continued.
