Collier starts new year with three homicides under investigation

Investigators are still searching for suspects after three people were killed in three days in Collier County. Neighbors say this is unusual for their community, and it is giving reason for some to get nervous.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of Armando Castillo, 25, Thursday.

Charles Pulkownik met Castillo for the first time recently. After Castillo was killed, police came to question Pulkownik.

“I woke to the cops banging on my door,” Charles Pulkownik said. “That’s a little alarming. I think there’s a lot of things that go on in Naples that people don’t see.”

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were four murders in Collier County during the first six months of 2018, compared to the three in the first three days of 2019.

“Seems like we’re off to the wrong start to the new year for sure,” Pulkownik said.

CCSO also responded to a homicide on Chadwick Circle in Immokalee on Jan. 1, where Schmael Deroses, 21 was found dead by deputies.

Naples Police Department responded to a homicide on Chesapeake Avenue on Jan. 1, where Frances Axley, 78, was found dead.

“It just underscores the fact that there are fundamental issues that have not yet been dealt with that must be dealt with,” Jeff Millman said.

CCSO is still looking for any information on its two cases.

NPD also seeks more information for its homicide case.

Both agencies urge anyone with information that could help to contact their offices.

“That’s scary,”Jill Greenwell said. Definitely worse now because more people are living here. When I moved here 15 years ago, it wasn’t nearly as busy.”