Avery Wheeler, a 22-year-old resident of Orlando, Florida, tragically lost his life on April 18, 2017. The incident occurred during a home invasion at his residence in Edgewood, a small city within the Orlando metropolitan area. According to reports, Wheeler was shot during the invasion and subsequently succumbed to his injuries at the Orlando Regional Medical Center.
The case quickly drew significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the subsequent investigation that unfolded.
The investigation revealed that the home invasion was not a random act of violence but rather a planned robbery. Allex Cuentas, a 20-year-old acquaintance of Wheeler, was arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder in connection with the incident. Cuentas initially claimed that he was merely a bystander during the robbery, stating that he was smoking marijuana with Wheeler in the garage when an armed man burst in and attempted to rob them. However, further investigation uncovered that Cuentas had orchestrated the robbery, driving the armed suspect to Wheeler's home and planning the entire event. The plan went awry when Wheeler attempted to resist, leading to the fatal shooting.
The arrest report detailed how investigators followed a trail of money from the scene of the crime to a nearby location where Cuentas was found. Additionally, a 9 mm shell casing and a significant amount of marijuana were discovered at the scene, further implicating Cuentas in the crime. Despite his initial denials, Cuentas eventually admitted to his role in the robbery, although he claimed he was unaware that the gun used in the crime was loaded. The investigation also suggested that Wheeler was involved in selling marijuana, as the quantity found at his residence exceeded personal use.
Cuentas was denied bond and remained in custody as the legal proceedings continued. The case highlighted the complexities of criminal investigations involving multiple suspects and the challenges faced by law enforcement in piecing together the events leading to such a tragic outcome. The community of Edgewood, which had not experienced a homicide in 16 years, was left in shock and mourning over the loss of Avery Wheeler. The investigation remained active as authorities continued to search for additional suspects and gather more evidence related to the case.
