NEWS RELEASE 22-008 - FEBRUARY 25, 2022
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested a 20-year-old man and his 16-year-old girlfriend in connection with a shooting that occurred Monday evening in the parking lot of a Sarasota apartment complex.
Deputies responded just after 7:30 p.m. to the 3400 block of Coronado Drive after receiving a call about a man lying on the ground with a single gunshot wound to the face. The victim was immediately transported to the hospital, where he later died due to his injuries. During their investigation, detectives learned the victim communicated on Instagram and arranged a drug buy with Magaly Cortes, DOB 12/30/05. Further investigation revealed Cortes and her boyfriend, Kevin Jimenez, DOB 08/16/01, drove to meet the victim to complete the transaction, and picked up a firearm on the way. When they arrived, Cortes sat in the driver’s seat while Jimenez hid in the back seat. As the victim approached, Jimenez fired one shot through the passenger window, striking the victim in the face. Before fleeing the scene, Jimenez robbed the victim of his handgun.
Deputies responded just after 7:30 p.m. to the 3400 block of Coronado Drive after receiving a call about a man lying on the ground with a single gunshot wound to the face. The victim was immediately transported to the hospital, where he later died due to his injuries. During their investigation, detectives learned the victim communicated on Instagram and arranged a drug buy with Magaly Cortes, DOB 12/30/05. Further investigation revealed Cortes and her boyfriend, Kevin Jimenez, DOB 08/16/01, drove to meet the victim to complete the transaction, and picked up a firearm on the way. When they arrived, Cortes sat in the driver’s seat while Jimenez hid in the back seat. As the victim approached, Jimenez fired one shot through the passenger window, striking the victim in the face. Before fleeing the scene, Jimenez robbed the victim of his handgun.
Both Jimenez and Cortes were taken into custody Thursday during a traffic stop. During an interview with detectives, Jimenez admitted to being angry the victim was communicating with his girlfriend on social media and intended to confront the victim during the drug transaction.
Jimenez, of 3211 8th Street East, Bradenton, is charged with Robbery with a Firearm and Murder While Engaged in Robbery. He remains in custody today without bond. Cortes, of 1027 Marlin Lakes Circle in Sarasota, is charged with Principal to Robbery with a Firearm and Principal to Murder While Engaged in Robbery. She was transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice, where she remains in custody.
The victim’s family opted into privacy rights afforded by Marsy’s Law and as such, will remain confidential.