Donato Perez, 50, was fatally shot in the backyard of a Clewiston, Florida residence on February 4, 2025. Officers arrived about 1:21 p.m. after reports of a shooting and found Perez on the ground; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses said a black Ford F-150 sped away immediately after the shooting.

Authorities identified and arrested 50-year-old Yoel Ramos shortly after the incident. Ramos and Perez were described as longtime friends; an argument between them reportedly escalated and Ramos allegedly shot Perez. Ramos later called 911 to report the incident and gave his location to police. He was arrested on charges of second-degree murder and is being held in the Hendry County Jail pending arraignment.

Witnesses indicated the confrontation began when Perez was cleaning chickens in the backyard and Ramos accused him of committing a sexual crime against Ramos’ daughter. Ramos’ daughter told investigators she had initially withheld the information from her father out of fear before later telling her mother, who then informed Ramos. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances; if anyone has information about what happened in the backyard that afternoon, please come forward.