Teen arrested in deadly shooting of teacher's assistant at Central Florida Fairgrounds to be charged as adult
15-year-old charged as adult in homicide case
The Orlando Police Department arrested 15-year-old Jadon Maxey in connection to the shooting. On April 9, the State Attorney's Office announced they are charging Maxey as an adult. The case was transferred from the juvenile court to the circuit criminal division.
ORLANDO, Fla. - An arrest has been made in a deadly shooting earlier this month at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.
Veronica Ramirez, 35, died from injuries she sustained in the flea market parking lot at the fairgrounds on the evening of March 2. Nearly four weeks later, the Orlando Police Department said it had arrested 15-year-old Jadon Maxey in connection to the shooting.
Photo of Veronica Ramirez who died in a shooting in Orlando Saturday night | Credit: Orlando Police Department
RELATED: Woman killed outside of Central Florida Fair: 'Our hearts were broken'
OPD Fugitive Investigative Unit members took Maxey into custody on March 27. He faces charges of second-degree homicide with a firearm.
On April 9, the State Attorney's Office announced they are charging Maxey as an adult. The case was transferred from the juvenile court to the circuit criminal division. The State Attorney's Office issued the following statement to FOX 35:
"Every case that comes to our office is carefully reviewed and evaluated based on the facts of the individual case to determine the appropriate course of action. When deciding whether to direct file (charge as an adult) a juvenile case several factors are taken into account related to the youth including, the youth’s history, previous services provided, the violent nature of the offense, circumstances of the case and the public’s safety. Adult sanctions are considered when criminal behavior escalates to the point of violence and our community has been seriously harmed and is at-risk for continued harm."
Teen arrested in shooting of teacher's assistant
Veronica Ramirez, 35, died from injuries she sustained in the flea market parking lot at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on the evening of March 2. Nearly four weeks later, the Orlando Police Department said it had arrested 15-year-old Jadon Maxey in connection to the shooting.
Ramirez was a teacher's assistant at Sorrento Elementary School. A district spokesperson said she joined Lake County Schools in 2019.
MORE HEADLINES:
- Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill arrested amid elderly exploitation, fraud investigation
- Frontier Airlines flight headed to Orlando evacuated due to strong odor, 1 hurt
- First look inside Epic Universe’s How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk land: Rides, attractions, and shows
- Florida mother, father, and son trio distributed pounds of meth through U.S. Postal Service: DOJ
Detectives urge anyone with relevant information in the case to contact the OPD Homicide Unit or provide anonymous tips through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. A $5,000 reward had been offered for information leading to an arrest, but authorities did not immediately release information on what led to Maxey's apprehension.
Jadon Maxey, 15, is charged with second-degree homicide with a firearm. [Credit: Orange County Sheriffs Office]
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.