PORT ORANGE, Fla. – A tragic incident unfolded in the Southern Pines neighborhood at Elda Lane and Spruce Creek Road in Port Orange, resulting in the death of one individual and the arrest of another. According to court documents obtained by local sources, a woman made a frantic 911 call seeking assistance after her ex-boyfriend was shot at her residence in Port Orange.
The victim, identified as 53-year-old Elmer Panameno Zelaya, reportedly arrived at the woman’s home and engaged in a violent altercation with the alleged shooter, 40-year-old Santiago Hernandez-Castrodad. Witnesses in the neighborhood heard screams and gunshots during the confrontation, indicating the intensity of the situation.
Reports suggest that Panameno armed himself with an unconventional weapon, a speaker, before physically assaulting Hernandez. The altercation escalated, leading to Panameno allegedly damaging the shooter’s car windshield. Subsequently, Hernandez retrieved a gun from his car and fired several shots, tragically resulting in Panameno’s death.
After the shooting, Hernandez confessed to law enforcement officials that he believed he had exhausted the ammunition in his weapon during the incident. Consequently, Hernandez was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, appearing in court for a hearing where he was remanded without bond.
The tragic events that transpired in the Southern Pines neighborhood have left the community in shock and mourning. The details surrounding the altercation and the subsequent shooting serve as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of volatile conflicts, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and responsibly.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the residents of Port Orange grapple with the aftermath of the violent incident, hoping for justice to be served and for peace to be restored in their neighborhood. The repercussions of such tragic events extend beyond those directly involved, impacting the entire community and highlighting the need for vigilance and cooperation in maintaining public safety and wellbeing.