PORT ORANGE, Fla. (TCD) — A 40-year-old man stands accused of killing his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend during a physical altercation outside the woman’s home.
According to a news release from the Port Orange Police Department, on May 7 at around 7:28 p.m., officers responded to a home on Elda Lane regarding a person shot. When they arrived, police found a male victim, identified by WOFL-TV as 53-year-old Elmer Panameno Zelaya, outside with multiple gunshot wounds, and officials pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities identified Carlos Hernandez-Castrodad as the primary suspect.
According to WOFL, Zelaya went to his ex-girlfriend’s home, where he tried to force his way inside, and they began fighting. Zelaya reportedly wrestled for her keys and eventually grabbed them and made his way into the house.
Zelaya allegedly began arguing with Hernandez-Castrodad inside the residence, and it escalated into a physical fight. Zelaya reportedly used a speaker to hit Hernandez-Castrodad, and they moved to the front yard. Zelaya eventually used his fists in the altercation, according to WOFL.
At one point, Zelaya allegedly hit Hernandez-Castrodad’s car, damaging the windshield as a result.
Following the fight, Hernandez-Castrodad retrieved a gun from his vehicle and allegedly shot Zelaya multiple times. He reportedly said he “emptied the whole clip.”
According to the affidavit reviewed by WOFL, Zelaya reportedly said “shoot me” to Hernandez-Castrodad before the gunfire.
Surveillance video captured the incident.
Hernandez-Castrodad reportedly told police he initially planned to get in his car and leave, but he couldn’t find his keys, and Zelaya was coming toward him, so he grabbed his gun.
Police arrested Hernandez-Castrodad on a charge of second-degree murder. He remains held in the Volusia County Jail without bond.
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Do we have any information on the 40-year-old man’s motive behind killing his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend or any previous history between them that could have led to this tragic event?