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Arrest made in 2016 homicide without witnesses; state seeks pretrial detention
Nearly a decade after authorities faced a murder probe with no witnesses, state prosecutors have announced an arrest in the case.
On July 21, State Attorney Amira Fox, accompanied by Fort Myers Police Chief Jason Fields, announced her office has filed second-degree murder charges against Joseph Carrozza, 33, of Fort Myers.
Carrozza remained in custody without bond set by publication for the Oct. 6, 2016, slaying of a 22-year-old man. Jail records indicate authorities arrested him July 18.
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Police found the victim on the sidewalk at Cypress Court Apartments, off Veronica S Shoemaker Boulevard.
According to Fox, Carrozza shot the victim several times on the stairs that led to his apartment.
"There were no witnesses to this actual shooting, but there were other information from other witnesses that helped piece the crime together," Fox said.
Fox said the State Attorney's Office's Cold Case Homicide Unit had been working the case for more than a year with police, taking statements from witnesses and analyzing evidence gathered by police and prosecutors.
They also worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to analyze cellphone devices.
"Joseph Carrozza was a dangerous violent offender that has finally been brought to justice to answer for this crime," Fields said. "Even after his arrest, this case will remain active to ensure a complete and thorough investigation."
Court records show that on July 19, Assistant State Attorney Leena Marcos filed a motion for pretrial detention, where prosecutors will present evidence, hoping Carrozza will remain in custody without bond until his trial. The hearing is set July 22 before Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@ or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Nine years, no witnesses, but arrest made in 2016 Fort Myers murder
