Sheriff, Locals Back Florida Homeowner in Fatal Shooting

Manatee County sheriff has praised the homeowner for protecting his home and family, stating that anyone brazen enough to break in should expect to be shot.

File photo of police tape. Andri Tambunan/AFP via Getty Images

A Florida homeowner who shot at two men and killed one during an alleged home invasion days after Christmas is getting support from the local law enforcement and community for his actions protecting his family.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells told a press conference that the homeowner, who saw two masked men on his surveillance system about to break into his home on Dec. 27, “grabbed his firearm” and told his wife to “get into a safe spot.”

“This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot,” Wells said.

The homeowner fired multiple rounds and hit one of the intruders as the other one fled the scene. The shot intruder was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital but died from his wounds.

In a press release, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said the deceased suspect was identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, a Mexican national. The 27-year-old also goes by the name Anibal Miller-Valencia.

“Detectives are currently investigating his background and are seeking to understand why he and his accomplice, Michel Soto-Mella, targeted a residence in River Club last night,” MCSO announced on Dec. 28.

“Anibal Miller-Valencia was arrested in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 2023, and served four months in jail for residential burglary before being released on parole in November of this year. He had an active warrant for parole violation and was considered armed and dangerous.”

Soto-Mella was identified as a 39-year-old from Chile and has so far been charged with armed burglary with additional charges pending.

Police said they tracked down Soto-Mella using K-9 units a few blocks from the scene.

“I praise this husband for doing what he needed to do to protect his home and protect his family. If you’re gonna be that brazen to come into my home, once again you should expect that you’re gonna be shot,” Wells said.  

Wells said that, while working with the U.S. Border Patrol, they believe Soto-Mella came to California from Chile and had a 90-day visa, which expired in September.

“This husband and wife were sitting there enjoying their evening…and they hear this commotion going on, see these suspects that are masked up, trying to break into the home. They were able to pry that window open to this one office area and get into the home. And then the homeowner defended himself and his wife,” Wells said.

The MCSO said they believe more individuals may have been involved in the home invasion and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Michel Soto-Mella, one of the suspects in the alleged home invasion in Manatee County, Fla., was here on a 90-day visa from Chile, which was expired. Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Residents in Manatee County told The Epoch Times the homeowner was justified in his actions.

“I think any homeowner is justified—coming through a window or door uninvited—you have the right to do whatever it takes to keep them out,” said William F. Luff, a Bradenton resident for nearly 31 years. Luff said he just installed cameras in his home after approximately $600 worth of tools were stolen from his shed.

Kirk Walker, owner of Captain Kirk’s Midway Barber and a 30-year resident of Bradenton, agreed with Luff and the sheriff.

“I agree with the sheriff that if you enter someone’s house through a window—I have kids—I will do whatever it takes to protect my household,” said Walker. “You have the right to protect yourself and your family.”

Walker said it does not matter if it is a migrant or anyone else; if someone is entering someone’s home, “they are taking their life in their own hands.”