If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or click the Submit a Tip button to anonymously provide information. We want your information, not your name! We will pay a cash reward of up to $3,000 if your tip leads to an arrest.
Tips needed to heat up double homicide cold case
December 03, 2024
STATUS: OPEN
Seven years ago, Eric Young and Sam Jones gathered with friends at a Lehigh Acres home to enjoy a night of catching up. But a good time quickly turned deadly, as gunfire erupted at the home, leaving both young men murdered.
Over the years, detectives with the Lee County Sheriff's Office have investigated every lead that's come in. But no charges have been filed in the case, and they're hoping some new information might generate new leads to finally provide answers and justice for the families they left behind. Young was 18 and Jones was 22 when they were killed at the Park Road home on December 15, 2017. Their murders have left indelible scars on both families, who are hoping that someone in the know will finally come forward.
"Me and my family will never get the chance to see him grow into a man, get married and have kids. I have a hole in my heart that will never be filled," said Bobbi Morrison, Eric Young's grandmother. "They don't know what they took away from me and my family when they killed my grandson. There has been a dark cloud hanging over our heads for seven years. We will never stop grieving until we get justice for Eric."
"The death of Eric has most definitely left a profound emptiness that rips through our heart every single day. I have never experienced such intense sorrow. It would mean the world to me and my family to see justice served for my son," said Carolyn Powell, Eric's mother.
Today, detectives revealed that a person of interest in the case was just released from Federal prison on November 1, 2024. While the name of that person is not being released, detectives are confident that there are many people in our community who know exactly who that person is, and hopefully they will step up and do the right thing to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
Anyone with information on the murders of Eric Jones and Sam Young are asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Reward increased in cold case homicide
November 04, 2024
STATUS: OPEN
It's been more than six years since a Lee County family had to say its final good-byes to a son, a brother and an uncle whose life was taken at the hands of gun violence. But despite the time that's passed, they're hopeful that someone will finally step up and speak out about who took the life of 41 year old Randolph Buchanan. Buchanan was known to his friends and family as Beechnut.
Buchanan was found shot and killed on Sparta Avenue in Lehigh Acres on April 17, 2018. Shortly after his murder, Buchanan's car was found engulfed in flames in Hendry County. Detectives have long had two suspects on their radar - two men from the Immokalee community. Both men, they say, are believed to have been burned during the arson of Buchanan's car. Detectives are seeking additional information to substantiate those beliefs. Detectives and family members hope someone will come forward and share what they know so that Buchanan's killer or killers can finally face justice.
"Randolph was the root of our family tree," said Latasha Spears, Buchanan's sister. "He kept us grounded and in control. He was always the problem solver - the person you could trust with your darkest secrets. If he made a promise, he was sure to keep his word. No matter the situation, he always found a way forward. He was consistently calm, happy and dedicated to providing for his family."
Since Buchanan's murder, Spears says her family has struggled to recover.
"His death has affected us tremendously, as he is no longer just a phone call away. We lost the person who kept us on track and encouraged us to keep striving, no matter how hard things got. His passing has made us wary of trusting anyone, even those we consider friends. He was our protector, and they took someone so dear from us," Spears said.
Although six-plus years have passed, it's never too late to speak up and share information about Buchanan's murder. Crime Stoppers is here 24/7 to take anonymous tips at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. All tipsters will remain 100 percent anonymous, and any tips that lead to an arrest in this case will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Person of Interest in Fort Myers occupied burglary
July 29, 2024
STATUS: OPEN
The subject in the brown shirt is a Person of Interest in an occupied burglary that occurred on July 22, 2024 at 7:45 a.m. The victims described the subject as a black male wearing a brown shirt and dark-colored pants. The suspicious male with the brown shirt is observed leaving Bassie Court in Fort Myers with two other black males and a child. The subjects were observed running away through the yards, meeting and walking together toward Clemente Park.
Call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS if you can help identify these individuals. You will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Still searching for suspect involved in deadly hit and run in Lehigh
April 04, 2024
The driver who took the life of a Lee County man is still at large this afternoon, and Crime Stoppers is hoping an increased reward can help track down the person responsible. The reward for information leading to an arrest in the hit and run death of John Vanwy has now been increased to $5,000.
Investigators with the Florida Highway patrol say that Vanwy and his girlfriend were riding his motorcycle just after 9:30 p.m. on March 28th when the driver of a 2017 GMC Sierra struck the couple near Rena Avenue and 40th Street Southwest in Lehigh, yet kept on driving. Vanwy, 54, died as a result of his injuries, and his girlfriend was left with serious injuries. Video surfaced shortly after the crash of the driver getting out of his truck and looking around his vehicle with a flashlight before leaving the scene. The driver never called 9-1-1 for help and never tried to render assistance. Instead, he made the cowardice decision to leave.
In conjunction with the increased reward, FHP has released a clearer photo of the truck they’re looking for in this incident. Anyone with any information on the location of the truck, and the identity and whereabouts of the driver, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Woman robbed in lottery scam
April 02, 2024
On Thursday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the unknown suspect approached the victim as she was walking home in Bonita and stated he was only in the country for 6 months and had won a lottery ticket worth $200,000. The male suspect told the victim he was unable to recover the money due to not having any papers or ID and that he would give her $20,000 from the winnings if she helped.
Ultimately, the victim and the suspect got into a light silver/light blue Mazda CX5 that was being driven by a female. They drove to the victim's bank and she withdrew money from her own account.
Once in possession of the money she entered the vehicle again and the subjects began driving. They pulled over in a grassy area and pushed the victim out of the car while snatching the money from her.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
"FACES OF FIDEL"
January 22, 2024
STATUS: CLOSED
Update 1/23/2024:
The many faces of murder suspect Fidel Fletcher have been released to Crime Stoppers. It's time to bring this fugitive to justice. Fidel is still on the run after allegedly killing his wife on December 27 and today, we are adding Fidel to our Top 10 Most Wanted.
SWFL Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $3,000 and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force is offering $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Ensure he faces the consequences of his actions.
Burglary & Grand Theft
January 15, 2024
STATUS: OPEN
On Sunday, December 31, 2023, at approximately 9:05 p.m., the suspects in the attached images cut the lock off a construction trailer located on the 2400 block of First Street in Fort Myers. The suspects entered the trailer and removed over $1,700.00 worth of tools.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to contact SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS or the Fort Myers Police Department.
Arcade Robbery - Can you identify them?
January 15, 2024
STATUS: OPEN
On Sunday, January 14, 2024, the Lee County Sheriff's Office received a call for service in reference to a business robbery at the Arcade 777 located at 8711 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. The images of the suspects were taken from security footage in the area. The suspects fled in a maroon SUV.
Anyone with information is urged to contact SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3000.
Man hunt continues for murder suspect
January 08, 2024
STATUS: CLOSED
Update 1/23/2024:
It's been more than two weeks since Fletcher went on the run after being accused of killing a Port Charlotte mother of two, Nicole Gates. He definitely has ties to Charlotte County, but also has connections in DeSoto County, specifically Arcadia, where he may have fled to. We need the community's eyes and ears to help find him! And we want to send a warning to anyone who is helping him lay low from the law.... aiding a fugitive may also land YOU behind bars, so don't do this guy any favors. The victim's family is pleading with the community for help finding him. This is a message direct from Nickie Gates' sister: "Nickie was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter. Those girls are five and six years old, and will live the rest of their life with no parents. All they had left was their mom and he took that from them. He took so much from us and we deserve peace. And until he is found, we won't have that. We can't even begin to grieve and mourn her loss because he is still out there."
Please, help Nickie's family out and send us any tips you have on Fletcher's whereabouts. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), online at
www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. We're offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, and the US Marshals have added $5,000 to the reward!
Fatal hit and run on State Road 80
January 07, 2024
STATUS: OPEN
Hit and run vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on January 6, 2024, around 7:25 p.m., at the intersection of Palm Beach Boulevard and Fairfax Drive in Fort Myers. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver fled the scene.
Maybe you were in the area at the time and saw the incident... if so, please contact SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips may also be made online or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Cash reward possible!
Creep caught with child porn
September 14, 2023
STATUS: OPEN
Crime Stoppers needs your help tracking down a Port Charlotte man who was found with more than 110 explicit images of child pornography on his cellphone. Detectives are on the hunt for Christopher Andrew Post (DOB 1/3/78) after receiving information earlier this year that Post was in possession of a vast collection of the disgusting criminal material. An investigation, to include the seizure of Post’s phone, turned up 113 pictures and videos of very young children engaging in sexual abuse activities with an adult male. A warrant for Post’s arrest was issued in mid-August and since that time, he’s gone off the radar. Detectives say Post has lived in both Port Charlotte and North Port and may have connections there who are helping him hide out. We definitely need your tips ASAP to take this guy off the streets!
If you have any information on his whereabouts, we’re here 24/7 to take your anonymous tips at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. If your information leads to his arrest, we’ll pay a cash reward!
HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER & TRUCK SOUGHT
August 23, 2023
On Sunday, July 30, 2023, at approximately 4:35 p.m., three vehicles were traveling southbound on Beau Drive in North Fort Myers. As they were approaching Marinatown Lane, a motorcycle was struck by a black older model pickup truck.
Simultaneously, another motorcyclist looked back, leading to the loss of control of their motorcycle, which then overturned and slid to a final rest on the road.
The black truck responsible for the crash has not been found. If you know ANYTHING about the driver of this truck, please call us at 1-800-780-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at
www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
SEVERAL COWS SHOT ON A CHARLOTTE COUNTY FARM
August 15, 2023
Crime Stoppers is hoping to hear from anyone with information on the person or persons who shot several cows in Charlotte County last month. On July 19th, around 1 a.m. several cows on private property were shot by a passer-by, some of whom later died from their injuries. The cows had recently been moved to a different part of the pasture, and within several hours ended up with gunshot wounds. Detectives say the suspects were likely driving on ATVs or off-road vehicles at the time.
Crime Stoppers is hoping to hear from anyone who may have heard or seen suspicious persons in the area that evening, or who have overheard information about the suspects who shot the cows. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information on this case, and an anonymous donor is offering an additional reward of up to $10,000.
Anyone with information is asked to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
Tips needed in unsolved murder of Bonita mom
April 20, 2023
STATUS: OPEN
Tomorrow, April 21st, will mark five years since a Bonita Springs mother was murdered while shielding her four year old son from gunfire, and Crime Stoppers is hopeful that anonymous tips about this heinous act of violence will finally lead to an arrest.
Destiney Bocanegra was standing outside a home near Matheson Avenue and Goodwin Street with her son and boyfriend when an unknown assailant drove by and shot in their direction. Bocanegra, who was pregnant with her second child, dove in front of her son to protect him, and ended up being fatally shot in the process. Her boyfriend was also shot and sustained critical injuries, however survived the attack.
In the five years since the murder, detectives have investigated every tip that's come in, however her killer is still at large.
"We are very confident that there are people in our community, particularly in Bonita Springs, who know more than they've shared about Destiney's case," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager. "Five years has passed and we don't want Destiney's family to have to endure one more year without answers or justice. It's never too late to step up and do the right thing for her family, and especially for her son Mikey."
Tips can be made to Crime Stoppers 24/7 by calling 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app.
Manhunt ends in Lehigh
April 19, 2023
STATUS: CAPTURED
One of Southwest Florida’s Crime Stoppers Most Wanted fugitives is finally back behind bars after nearly two years on the run. Alfonzo aka “Champ” Churchwell, 46, wanted on a federal probation violation based on charges of possession of a firearm, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding and filing a false police report, was arrested at a residence in Lehigh Acres on April 18, 2023.
Churchwell was previously featured on Southwest Florida’s Crime Stoppers 10 Most Wanted, and the U.S. Marshals Service had offered a $10,000 reward
“Churchwell’s arrest is testament that time eventually expires for these fugitives and that law enforcement, and the community, is always keeping their eyes open,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager. “The US Marshals worked relentlessly to find Churchwell and we know that our community is now much safer that he’s behind bars.”
Anyone with information on a wanted fugitive is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Manhunt widens for alleged drug trafficker
January 10, 2023
STATUS: WANTED
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers needs the public's help tracking down a Hendry County fugitive accused of trafficking more than 48 pounds of fentanyl and 380 pounds of meth throughout the state of Florida.
Efren Berumen, Jr. (DOB 4/12/83) has been eluding law enforcement for his role in a massive drug operation that has already resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals. Operation 13 Tiers was announced last fall after investigators revealed that Carlos Martinez, a Florida prison inmate, and his co-conspirators were instructing gang members with information to move large shipments of narcotics across the United States and into Florida for distribution. Over the course of the investigation, local, state and federal agents seized large shipments to include the fentanyl, meth, heroin, morphine, 45 guns, $150,000 cash and 15,000 additional fentanyl pills. Investigators allege Martinez used a cell phone from behind bars to give orders to 24 of his co-conspirators - all of whom have been arrested and charged with more than 60 first-degree felonies of drug trafficking and violent crimes, to include conspiracy to commit murder. Berumen is the sole suspect who has managed to evade capture since a warrant for his arrest was issued in Hendry County last August.
"Efren Berumen is accused of playing a key role in the distribution of these highly lethal drugs into communities across our state," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager. "While it is a win that nearly all of the other individuals involved have been arrested, it is of paramount importance that Berumen is brought into custody so that we can be assured that he isn't continuing to peddle dangerous drugs into nearly every crevice of the state."
Detectives say Berumen has ties to Southwest Florida, but could be laying low in Tampa, Orlando or Miami to keep himself from going to prison. He often is referred to by his street name of "Brownie." Anyone who has seen Berumen, or has information on his whereabouts, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app.
Tips needed to ID suspicious males lurking around several jewelry stores
December 16, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying two men who appear to be working in tandem tampering power breakers at several local jewelry stores.
The first incident was reported on December 3rd at Bradley's Fine Jewelers, located at 14260 S. Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. Shortly after 8 p.m., an unknown male went to the back of the business and began inspecting the businesses power meters, while appearing to be speaking to someone on the phone. After employees left for the night, the male went to the power breaker and turned off the power to the business. Fortunately, no entry was gained into the business. The next day, on December 4th, an unidentified person turned off the breaker at Tio's Jewelry, located at 110 NE 2nd Place in Cape Coral, after the store closed for the evening. Again, no entry was made into the building. Surveillance cameras did not capture images of the person involved, but did spot a white sedan that the person of interest was likely driving.
On December 5th, the same male spotted at Bradley's Fine Jewelers two days prior was seen on camera at Noe's Jewelry, located at 4808 Cape Coral Street in downtown Cape Coral. Video shows the male walking around the rear of the business and looking at the circuit breakers. He spent only a few minutes at the breaker panel before he left. He was wearing the same Adidas ball cap and Nike Air Maxx shoes as he did in the December 3rd incident. Then, two days later on December 7th, a suspicious male was observed on security cameras behind Noe's Jewelry again. The male pulled on the power breaker locks in the same location as the male who was there previously. This individual appeared to be on the phone for the entire time that he was casing out the establishment.
Detectives believe that both males are working as a team. Both men appear to be well disciplined enough to wear gloves during the incidents. Over the past few months, several business burglaries have occurred in Central Florida using the same tactics, and it is possible that these two men could be associated with that operation. Anyone with information on the identity of either of these males is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app.
Tips needed to solve murder of Trenesa Roberts
December 09, 2022
Tomorrow will mark four years since a Lehigh Acres mother was gunned down in front of her home, and Crime Stoppers needs the public's help identifying her killer.
Trenesa Roberts left her Quentin Avenue S. home around 6:30 a.m. on December 10, 2018 on her way to work as a Lee County bus monitor. However after taking just a few steps from her front door, an unknown assailant shot her, leaving her for dead in her yard. Over the last four years, investigators have looked into every lead, however her case still remains unsolved. Trenesa left behind four children, as well as many family members and close friends who are still hoping to get closure.
"We know that people have talked amongst themselves about this case, but we've yet to receive the anonymous tip that can move it closer to an arrest," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager. "We are confident there are people in our community who know far more than they've shared to this point. Four years have passed, and we are hopeful that Trenesa's family doesn't have to go another year without answers and without seeing justice for a woman they loved and admired so much."
Anyone with information on the murder of Trenesa Roberts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. All callers will remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest, we'll pay a cash reward of $3,000.
Armed Robbery in Lehigh
November 16, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
During the early morning hours of November 16, 2022, an armed robbery occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 55 Joel Boulevard in Lehigh Acres. The suspect entered the victim's vehicle brandishing a firearm and demanded the victim's cash. The suspect took the victims debit card and fled the scene.
Anyone with information is urged to contact SWFL Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3000.
Searching for suspects in Family Dollar robbery
October 18, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
On October 17, 2022, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Lee County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to an in-progress robbery at the Family Dollar located at 3519 Lee Boulevard in Lehigh.
A black male whose face was covered and wearing black shirt and blue shirt and a black male wearing a blue hoodie, black pants and white shoes entered the business and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect threatened to shoot the victim if he did not comply. No weapon was displayed. The suspect in the black shirt went behind the counter and took undisclosed amount of money from the register and also entered an enclosed glass cabinet and removed several packs of Newport cigarettes. Both suspects left the business heading westbound.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at
www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
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