Matthew Hanson, a 39-year-old father of four from Port Charlotte, Florida, was fatally shot on July 5, 2023, outside his home on Corrine Avenue. The incident occurred shortly after Hanson and his family returned from a Fourth of July family camping trip in Georgia. Hanson was unloading a trailer when the shooting took place, with his children present in the car.
The shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between Hanson and his neighbor, James Andrew Gainvors.
The tension escalated when a firework misfired and landed in Gainvors' yard, leading to a confrontation. According to witnesses, including Hanson's partner Anjelica Romero and the mother of his other children, Amber Zapf, the neighbor got out of his vehicle and brandished a firearm after an argument ensued.
Romero described the moments following the shooting, stating that she heard the gunshot, saw Hanson come out of the trailer injured, and attempted to apply pressure to his wound while he was seated in a chair. Despite her efforts, Hanson succumbed to his injuries.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office identified Gainvors as the suspect and noted that he had been cooperative during the investigation. However, initially, no arrests were made. The community rallied around Hanson's family, holding a vigil on July 7 to honor his memory and express their grief and outrage over the senseless violence.
On July 19, 2023, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of James Andrew Gainvors in connection with Hanson's death. Gainvors was taken into custody without incident and is being held in the Charlotte County Jail. The arrest followed a thorough investigation by the CCSO and the State Attorney's Office.
Hanson's family and community have been deeply affected by his death, with many describing him as a loving father, brother, son, and mentor to many. His children, in particular, are struggling with the loss, with one of his sons too afraid to return to the area due to the presence of the neighbor who committed the crime. The community continues to grapple with the tragedy and the unanswered questions surrounding the incident.
