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Friday, March 29, 2024

Two suspects charged with killing 18-year-old at Ocala Park Estates

Two suspects have been arrested and charged with second degree murder in connection with the June shooting death of 18-year-old Kobe Bradshaw at Ocala Park Estates.

On Tuesday, a 17-year-old teenager and 23-year-old man were arrested in connection with the June 5 shooting of Bradshaw.

During that shooting, deputies that responded to the northwest Ocala neighborhood found the teenager suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Bradshaw was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. According to police, he was shot in his abdomen, clavicle, and arm, and the medical examiner ruled his cause of death as homicide.

According to reports, a neighbor who witnessed the two suspects involved in the shooting said they were running north from the residence wearing ski masks.

The suspects were eventually identified as 23-year-old Ralph Fontil and 17-year-old Brandon Jordan Merizier.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Bradshaw was ambushed by the men. There were 15 spent 9mm shell casings found in the driveway and front yard, and several of the shots struck nearby residences, according to authorities.

A .380 caliber handgun was located in Bradshaw’s closed and undisturbed backpack, and there was no evidence that he ever returned fire.

According to an MCSO press release, Major Crimes Detective Andrew Canterberry investigated the case over the past several months, sifting through forensic evidence, video surveillance, and cellphone records.

Fontil and Merizier were both arrested on Tuesday, November 9 and have been charged with second degree murder.

Two suspects charged with second degree murder in June shooting of Kobe Bradshaw
Ralph Fontil
Two suspects charged with second degree murder in killing of Kobe Bradshaw
Brandon Jordan Merizier

Merizier is currently in juvenile custody and will be transferred to Marion County Jail upon being charged as an adult. Fontil is currently being held at Marion County Jail without bond. He has a court date scheduled on December 14 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.

Bradshaw’s friends and family mourned the teenager after his passing. Bradshaw, who was a student at North Marion Middle and High, and West Port High School, enjoyed playing the drums and played as his church’s drummer for many years.

Two suspects charged with killing 18 year old killed at Ocala Park Estates this summer
Kobe Jeremiah Bradshaw, 18, was shot and killed at Ocala Park Estates in June

When he was younger, Bradshaw enjoyed football and played MCYFL Football for the Jaguars, Ocala Pride, also Junior and Senior Colts and the Wolfpack.