Eddie Powell Jr., a 22-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 15, 2016, in Lehigh Acres, Florida. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at the Island Park Shopping Center in south Lee County. Powell was found dead at approximately 3:14 a.m. by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, who responded to a call reporting a shooting at the location.
The shopping center, which houses several restaurants, bars, and a hookah lounge, was undergoing construction at the time, closing off a large section of the parking lot.
The investigation into Eddie Powell Jr.'s death quickly led to the arrest of Abraham Isaac Rivera, a 20-year-old male from Lehigh Acres. Rivera was charged with second-degree murder and taken into custody the day after the incident. Detectives from the Lee County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit were responsible for the arrest and ongoing investigation. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it has been noted that the Oasis Hookah Lounge was the only establishment open at the time of the incident.
Eddie Powell Jr. was described by his loved ones as a loving and caring individual who had a passion for coaching football. He was affectionately known as "Chico" and was expecting his first child with his girlfriend, Kayla Stone, just three weeks after his untimely death. Stone expressed her grief and the profound impact Powell's death had on her and their unborn child. She also called for an end to the senseless violence that claimed Powell's life.
The case against Abraham Isaac Rivera proceeded through the legal system, with Rivera facing serious charges for his alleged involvement in the murder of Eddie Powell Jr. The community and Powell's family continue to seek justice for the young man whose life was cut short in such a tragic manner.
