Teen Killed in Alleged Botched Robbery Attempt in Charlotte County
PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell confirmed that one teenager shot and killed another in an attempted robbery gone wrong late Saturday.
Lianaal Jean, 18, of Port Charlotte, and Jalyssa Villa, 17, allegedly invited a 17-year-old boy to a home along Grapefruit Lane in rural Charlotte County. According to Sheriff Prummell, “Lianaal pulled out a firearm to rob the subject, but the 17-year-old boy responded by pulling out his own firearm and fired in what appears to be self-defense.”
Jean had recently faced burglary charges involving a stolen firearm. Authorities confirmed that the weapon found at the scene was the same one reported stolen but had not been located when Jean was arrested in August.
The 17-year-old boy fled the scene but was later detained. Authorities believe he ditched his weapon during his escape. Depending on the origin of his firearm, the teen could face charges, Prummell said.
“This is still a very active investigation with a lot of moving parts,” Sheriff Prummell said in a video shared on social media.
Earlier Developments
On Sunday, Charlotte County authorities responded to a death investigation on Grapefruit Lane in Punta Gorda. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office warned residents of a heavy law enforcement presence in the area, and the neighborhood was sealed off.
No identities or details were initially released. However, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all parties involved had been accounted for and assured the community there was no ongoing danger.
The investigation is ongoing.