DeSoto County teen faces attempted murder charges

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
desoto hospital scene
Credit: Donna Creel

On Saturday, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to the hospital in connection with three patients being treated for gunshot wounds.

While investigating, detectives found out that the three victims were in a car near SW Hillsborough Avenue when the shooter pulled up next to them and opened fire at them. The shooter, Victor Cervantes, 17, wounded all three occupants of the car.

The sheriff’s office says this investigation is ongoing but that this appears to be an isolated incident that occurred in retaliation due to an ongoing feud between the young people.

DeSoto detectives worked Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday morning to process multiple crime scenes. During a search of his home, Cervantes was taken into custody. He was then transferred to a juvenile facility in Manatee County, where he is currently being held without bond.

Pictures of the victims below:

One of the victims’ mothers, Dora Guzman says that there were other people in the car with Cervantes when the shooting happened. She also says that the victims and Cervantes were acquaintances.

Jose, one of the victims, remains in a hospital in St. Petersburg. Jose and Alejandro are brothers.

Jose is in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound to the face
Jose is in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound to the face Credit: Brenda Salinas-Sanchez

This is a developing story and we will update as more information is available. 

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