Maria Tritico, a 32-year-old artist and education director at the Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Florida, tragically lost her life on December 7, 2020, following a shooting incident on Singer Island. Maria was watching her fiancé, Chad Steve, play frisbee football at a beach park when she was struck in the head by a stray bullet. The incident occurred on December 6, 2020, and despite efforts to save her, Maria was taken off life support the following day.
Her sudden and untimely death left her family, friends, and the art community in deep sorrow.
Maria was known for her dedication to art therapy, working with veterans, the elderly, and victims of sex trafficking. She had a passion for helping others and was a rising artist whose work had been showcased in various galleries across the United States and Canada. Her death was a significant loss to those who knew her and the community she served.
The investigation into Maria's death led to the arrest of 16-year-old Amari Wellons. Wellons was charged as an adult with first-degree murder. According to police reports, Wellons was involved in an altercation with a group of people that had ongoing feuds with his family. During the confrontation, he fired multiple shots, one of which tragically struck Maria. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending Wellons. He was initially held in a juvenile detention center before being transferred to the Palm Beach County Jail.
The legal proceedings against Wellons are ongoing, with significant attention on the case due to the nature of the crime and the age of the suspect. The community continues to mourn Maria's loss, remembering her for her contributions to art and her compassionate spirit. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the work she left behind.
