Ivonne Rivera-Ramis, a 42-year-old Hispanic woman, tragically lost her life on July 29, 2016, in Tampa, Florida. Known to her customers as the "Avon lady," Rivera-Ramis also engaged in selling illegal prescription pills. On the night of her death, she was involved in a deal that turned fatal. Rivera-Ramis met with Jose Colon-Soto and a co-defendant at the Rivergate apartments in Palm River. The meeting was a setup for a robbery.
When Rivera-Ramis sensed danger and attempted to flee, one of the men shot her in the back. Despite her injuries, she managed to drive to a nearby McDonald's parking lot, where she succumbed to her wounds.
The investigation into Rivera-Ramis's death revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough investigation at both the Rivergate apartments and the McDonald's parking lot. Initially, no arrests were made, and the case remained unsolved for some time. However, five years later, Jose Colon-Soto accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a 15-year prison sentence, followed by six years of probation. During the court proceedings, Rivera-Ramis's family expressed their grief and anger, with her daughter and older sister speaking out against Colon-Soto.
The case of Ivonne Rivera-Ramis highlights the dangers associated with illegal activities and the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities. The plea deal for Colon-Soto brought some closure to Rivera-Ramis's family, but the pain of their loss remains. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her loved ones.
