Arrest made in Punta Gorda 7-Eleven homicide

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – An arrest was made for the murder of 18-year-old Kyle Farishian, who was found dead after a fire was extinguished at the 7-Eleven on Bal Harbor Boulevard and Aqui Esta Drive in November 2015, according to authorities.

Michael Russo, 28, faces murder and arson charges in the 7-Eleven homicide, according to Punta Gorda Police Department Chief Thomas Lewis. Russo’s motive could be tied to two incidents that resulted in his ban from the store, Lewis said.

PGPD made the announcement of the arrest on Tuesday at 9 p.m. after five months of investigating.

Farishian died of a gunshot wound, according to Punta Gorda police. Surveillance video showed a suspect, later identified by PGPD as Russo, carrying a gas can into the 7-Eleven on the morning of the fire. One of the pieces of evidence in the homicide investigation was a bullet, according to authorities.

Hundreds attended a benefit event on Farishian’s behalf in December 2015.