MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A 15-year-old from Homestead, Florida, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon following a weekend shooting at Key Largo Community Park. Jonathan Enrique Valerio Paniagua turned himself in to authorities at the Plantation Key jail on Tuesday.
The charges stem from an incident on March 8, 2025, at approximately 9:50 p.m., when the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired at the park. Upon arrival, deputies were unable to locate anyone with direct knowledge of the shooting.
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Shortly thereafter, a 16-year-old male victim arrived at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier with a minor gunshot wound to his hand and injuries to his legs from cell phone shrapnel caused by a bullet. He was subsequently airlifted via Trauma Star to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami for further treatment. His injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
“I will not tolerate violent crime in this community regardless of the age of the offender,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I want to thank the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who worked to resolve this case quickly.”
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During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team located clothing matching the suspect’s description and a wallet containing identifying information for Valerio Paniagua in a nearby canal.
Authorities believe a disagreement over a girl may have precipitated the shooting.
Valerio Paniagua is now in custody and faces serious charges in connection with the incident.
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