Ricardo Guzman, a 32-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot and killed on April 20, 2018, in Largo, Florida. The incident occurred at the Melrose on the Bay apartment complex on Bolesta Road. Guzman was found inside his dark blue Toyota Tacoma, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite managing to call 911 for help, he succumbed to his injuries at Largo Medical Center. The shooting took place around 11:45 p.m., and neighbors reported hearing several gunshots.
Guzman did not reside at the apartment complex, and the sound of gunfire was an unusual occurrence in the area.
The investigation revealed that Guzman had met with two individuals, 28-year-old Daniel Curtis Battle and 17-year-old Malique Devon Gary, for a drug transaction. During the meeting, Battle and Gary attempted to rob Guzman, and when he resisted, they shot him four times. Both suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Battle faced additional charges, including driving with a suspended or revoked license and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The suspects were held at the Pinellas County Jail as the investigation continued.
Guzman's death left his family devastated, particularly his brother, Dan Guzman, who expressed profound grief over the loss. Ricardo Guzman was a father of two, and his sudden death shocked his family and the local community. The Largo Police Department conducted a thorough investigation, seeking any additional information from the public to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The case highlighted the dangers associated with drug transactions and the tragic consequences that can arise from such encounters.
