On February 4, 2025, 50-year-old Donato Perez was fatally shot in the backyard of a residence in Clewiston, Florida. Authorities responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 1:21 p.m. and discovered Perez lying on the ground, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a black Ford F-150 speeding away from the area immediately after the incident.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Yoel Ramos, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. According to law enforcement officials, Ramos and Perez were longtime friends, but an argument between the two escalated, leading Ramos to allegedly shoot Perez. Reports indicate that Ramos later called 911 to report the incident and provided his location to authorities. He was arrested on charges of second-degree murder and is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail, with his bond set to be determined at his arraignment.
Further details suggest that the altercation may have stemmed from accusations made by Ramos against Perez regarding inappropriate conduct. Witnesses at the scene reported that Perez had been cleaning chickens in the backyard when Ramos arrived and confronted him. Ramos allegedly accused Perez of committing a sexual crime against his daughter before firing multiple shots. Investigators later spoke with Ramos' daughter, who stated that she had initially refrained from telling her father about the incident due to fear of his reaction. However, she eventually disclosed the information to her mother, who decided to inform Ramos.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and additional details may emerge as the case progresses.
