HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – One of five men charged in connection with a 2021 gang-related homicide in Hernando County has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Reynol Gonzales Jr., 27, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to participating in the death of John Michael Colon. As part of a plea agreement, Gonzales was sentenced to 30 years in prison as a Prison Release Reoffender.
The case dates back to July 13, 2021, when Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a man down in the roadway near Silent Breeze Street and Wolf Road in Brooksville. The victim, later identified as John Michael Colon, was found deceased next to his vehicle.
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An investigation revealed that Colon, a former member of the Latin Kings gang, was killed during a “beating” and “stripping of his membership” ritual after he attempted to leave the gang.
After a lengthy investigation, detectives identified five members of the Latin Kings allegedly involved in Colon’s death:
- Shayne A. White-Gracteroly
- Jimmy Nguyen
- Reynol Gonzalez
- Hector Robles
- Reynaldo Fonseca
All five suspects were arrested in 2022 and charged with 3rd-degree murder, aggravated battery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery.
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While Gonzales has been sentenced, the four remaining suspects are still awaiting trial on the charges related to Colon’s death. Three of the suspects remain in custody at the Hernando County Detention Center, while two have been released on bond.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate this case and encourages anyone with information to contact Detective Tom Cameron at 352-754-6830.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or online at www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
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