Florida Man Arrested For Shooting Over A Lake And Killing A Woman On The Other Side

Man Arrested for Celebratory Gunfire That Killed Kissimmee Woman on New Year’s Eve

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Police have arrested a man accused of firing a gun into the air to celebrate the New Year, resulting in the death of a Kissimmee woman struck by a stray bullet.

Carlos Manuel Tejada, 44, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with manslaughter by culpable negligence for the death of 64-year-old Carmen Rosa Neira Ochoa. According to law enforcement, Tejada fired his weapon from across a lake near Ochoa’s home.

Tragic Death on New Year’s Eve

Ochoa was on her back porch with her two daughters, watching fireworks when the incident occurred. Police say a bullet fired by Tejada pierced the screen of the porch, striking Ochoa. She was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries despite life-saving efforts by her daughters and first responders.

“What goes up must come down,” newly appointed Kissimmee Police Chief Robert Anzueto said during a press conference. “I don’t think Tejada intended to kill anyone, but his reckless actions caused the death of one of our citizens.”

Investigation and Arrest

Authorities recovered 11 firearms from Tejada’s home. Ballistic evidence, including the fatal bullet, was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which helped link the shot to Tejada. Chief Anzueto highlighted the difficulties of investigating celebratory gunfire incidents but stressed their importance.

Celebratory gunfire is both illegal and dangerous, Chief Anzueto emphasized. “It’s not a celebration if it costs a life,” he said.

Family Speaks Out

Ochoa’s son-in-law, Alex Marquez, described her as a hardworking mother and grandmother who was loved by her family. He urged others to recognize the risks of celebratory gunfire.

“I just want to raise awareness to people out there. Don’t shoot guns to celebrate. You don’t know what family you can hurt,” Marquez said.

Broader Issue of Celebratory Gunfire

This tragic incident is part of a larger pattern of harm caused by celebratory gunfire. In Miami, a 10-year-old girl was also killed on New Year’s Eve under similar circumstances, highlighting the widespread danger of this reckless behavior.

The Kissimmee Police Department continues to urge residents to find safe and lawful ways to celebrate significant events. Tejada remains in custody as the case proceeds.

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