Veronica Ramirez, a 35-year-old teacher's assistant, died from injuries sustained in a shooting that occurred on the evening of March 2, 2024, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando, Florida. The incident took place in the flea market parking lot of the fairgrounds, where police received calls about shots being fired around 10:37 p.m. Ramirez was found shot and was subsequently taken to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Ramirez was a dedicated member of the Lake County Schools community, having joined the district in 2019. She worked as a teacher's assistant at Sorrento Elementary School. The school district expressed deep sadness over her death and provided grief counselors for students and staff members who needed support.
Following an investigation by the Orlando Police Department, a 15-year-old boy named Jadon Maxey was arrested on March 27, 2024, in connection with the shooting. Maxey was taken into custody by members of the OPD Fugitive Investigative Unit and faces charges of second-degree homicide with a firearm. On April 9, 2024, the State Attorney's Office announced that Maxey would be charged as an adult, transferring the case from juvenile court to the circuit criminal division. The decision to charge Maxey as an adult was based on several factors, including his history, the violent nature of the offense, and the impact on public safety.
The community and authorities are still seeking any additional information related to the case, with a $5,000 reward having been offered for tips leading to an arrest. However, details on what specifically led to Maxey's apprehension have not been publicly disclosed.
