In a tragic turn of events, a 43-year-old Florida man has been charged with second-degree murder after fatally shooting his adult stepson following a heated family argument reportedly sparked by the video game Fortnite.
The shooting happened Wednesday evening inside a family home in Davenport, Florida, and involved multiple family members, including two young children.
What Happened?
According to police, Kelly Garcia and his wife, Adriane Daza, were at home with her three children, including 26-year-old Azareel Martinez and two younger children, aged 9 and 11. The 9-year-old had been caught playing Fortnite, a game he was not allowed to play, which led to a family dispute.
When his parents took away his phone as punishment, the child reportedly grabbed a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from a drawer in the couple’s bedroom. Garcia managed to take the gun away from the child before any harm was done — but the situation escalated quickly.
Stepson Confronts Stepfather
As the scene unfolded, Martinez entered the room and noticed the boy’s distress. Police say he began speaking out against his stepfather, which led to a violent reaction. Garcia allegedly responded by shooting Martinez several times in the chest and stomach.
As Martinez tried to leave the room, Garcia fired two more shots into his back, according to police reports. Martinez collapsed and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Crime Scene and Arrest
Police arrived at the scene around 7:10 p.m. and described it as “extensive.” The Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted in collecting forensic evidence from the home, which is located in the Citrus Landing community of Davenport, about 30 miles southwest of Orlando.
Garcia was arrested at the scene and is now facing charges of second-degree murder and improper storage of a firearm accessible to a minor. He is currently being held at the Polk County jail.
Legal Consequences
Under Florida law, a second-degree murder conviction carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Garcia may also face additional consequences for allowing a minor to access a loaded weapon, which contributed to the initial escalation of the conflict.