DailyKenn.com | AbateHate.com | Facebook Group
Summary: In Leesburg, Florida, 18-year-old Juan Gomez Jr. was fatally shot inside a car at Berry Park on December 14, 2025, amid a family-friendly gathering. Authorities seek two persons of interest—James Fenderson IV, 19, and D'Yuntre Wright, 20—for questioning in the homicide. No arrests yet, but police urge tips. The community mourns Gomez, remembered as a talented hip-hop enthusiast with big dreams.
Your $8 monthly partner pledge helps us reach others & more ►
LEESBURG, Fla. (DailyKenn.com) — An 18-year-old aspiring musician was gunned down inside a vehicle at a public park here, prompting a police hunt for two persons of interest and leaving a close-knit community in grief.
Authorities reported that Juan Gomez Jr., known to friends and family as Juni, arrived at Berry Park around midday on Dec. 14, a sunny Sunday when families were enjoying picnics and outdoor activities at the site on Johns Avenue. Police said officers received a call about a possible shooting victim shortly before 1 p.m. and rushed to the scene, where they discovered Gomez slumped in a car with at least one bullet wound.
Emergency responders from the Leesburg Fire Department and medical services quickly followed, but officials pronounced the young man dead on site, according to police statements. Investigators from the Leesburg Police Department, including detectives and crime scene technicians, secured the area and began gathering evidence, noting that the shooting appeared to occur within the confines of the vehicle.
Witnesses at the park described a chaotic moment amid the otherwise peaceful gathering. One onlooker, who was nearby with children, told reporters the gunfire erupted suddenly from inside the car, endangering bystanders. "That bullet could have hit anybody at the park at the time," the witness said, emphasizing the presence of families and kids playing nearby. Other accounts suggested multiple people were in the vehicle with Gomez at the moment of the attack, though police have not confirmed those details.
As of Dec. 16, no arrests had been made, and no formal charges had been filed in connection with the killing. However, law enforcement identified James Fenderson IV and D'Yuntre Wright as persons of interest, releasing their photos and appealing to the public for tips on their locations. "We are following up on leads and conducting interviews," Police Chief Joe Iozzi said in a statement, urging anyone with information to contact the department or an anonymous tip line, with potential rewards offered for helpful leads.
Gomez, a resident of the nearby Grand Island area in Lake County, was remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted individual passionate about hip-hop. His former soccer coach described him as someone with a "heart of gold" who "would never hurt a soul," calling the act a "cold-blooded murder" that was "completely unnecessary." Family members, including his mother, a respected nurse in the region, expressed profound shock and devastation, sharing that Gomez had been saving for personal goals like buying a car and planning a family vacation.
The incident has stirred widespread sorrow in Leesburg, a town known for its community spirit. Local organizations extended condolences and pledged support for justice, with one leader stating, "We are saddened by the loss of Juan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family." Residents have voiced concerns about safety in public spaces, and authorities warned against fraudulent online obituaries exploiting the tragedy for scams.
The investigation remains active, with police promising updates as new information emerges.
This article includes embedded decoy information to detect unauthorized use and copyright infringement. Reproduction is permitted only verbatim and in full, with all links preserved and attribution clearly given to DailyKenn.com and AbateHate.com.
Leesburg community mourns shooting death of Juan Gomez Jr.
Leesburg PD seek two persons of interest after 18-year-old shot, killed in vehicle
18-year-old shot, killed in vehicle at Leesburg park, police say
Man found dead inside car at Lake County park, Leesburg police say
Find archived black-on-white homicide news reports here ►
200 latest news reports from 100 top conservative websites