MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Ralph Fontil Jr., 26, has been found guilty of the premeditated first-degree murder of 18-year-old Kobe Bradshaw. The shooting occurred on June 5, 2021, in Marion County.
“Today, justice has been served for Kobe. This verdict not only holds the defendant accountable for their actions but also acknowledges the profound pain and loss experienced by the victim’s family,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “No verdict can bring back their loved one, but we hope it brings them some measure of solace knowing that the truth has been recognized in a court of law.”
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The Investigation
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to reports of a shooting just before 4:00 PM on June 5, 2021. They found Bradshaw with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses reported seeing two individuals wearing ski masks fleeing the scene. Security footage from a nearby residence captured images of the suspects and an older Ford F-150 truck. Investigators were able to identify the truck and its owner, Fontil.
Five days later, MCSO Detective Brent Castellano located the truck and initiated a traffic stop. Fontil, who was driving, refused to exit the vehicle and indicated he had a firearm. Deputies secured the firearm and took Fontil into custody.
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Evidence Links Fontil and Second Suspect
A search of the truck revealed ammunition matching shell casings found at the crime scene. A fingerprint belonging to 17-year-old Brandon Merizier was also found in the vehicle.
Cell phone records placed both Fontil and Merizier near the scene of the crime, and surveillance footage showed Merizier’s car in the area. Further incriminating evidence, including a deleted file linking both suspects to the murder, was discovered on Merizier’s phone.
Successful Prosecution
Assistant State Attorneys Toby Hunt and Rich Buxman successfully prosecuted the case. The State Attorney’s Office commended the diligent work of law enforcement and the prosecution team in securing this conviction.
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