Florida homeowner shoots 2, kills 1 in suspected home invasion

A Florida sheriff said intruders should “expect to get shot” after posting information about a homeowner who opened fire on two masked men trying to break into his house, killing one.

The deceased suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, 23, of Mexico, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The second suspect, Michel Soto-Mella, 39, an illegal immigrant from Chile, has been charged with armed robbery, with additional charges pending.

Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, a Manatee County homeowner saw two men enter the back of his home on his video surveillance system, according to authorities.

Michel Soto-Mella has been charged with armed burglary, with additional charges pending, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

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“He knew something bad was going to happen and he didn’t delay,” MCSO Sheriff Rick Wells said during a news conference Friday. “He grabbed his firearm [and] told his wife to go to a safe place.”

The homeowner fired multiple shots, hitting Flores-Toledo “several times,” while Soto-Mella fled the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

A Manatee County man opened fire on two would-be assailants Thursday night.

“I sat by the lanai, the door was open,” John Nuceder, who was visiting a family member next door, told Fox 13. “I clearly heard three shots.”

Authorities said Flores-Toledo was initially listed in critical condition before being transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died Friday morning.

“This is it state of florida,” Wells said. “If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to get shot.”

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Deputies tracked down Soto-Mella, who was in the country illegally after his 90-day visa expired in September, using K9 units and arrested him a few blocks away, according to the sheriff’s office. The scene was secured and everyone involved was booked and did not pose a threat to the community.

Detectives are currently investigating Flores-Toledo’s background and are “trying to understand” why he and Soto-Mella targeted the home, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office Friday afternoon.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells spoke at a press conference Friday about the shooting.

“We’re trying to get everything we can from [surviving] suspect,” Wells said. “He’s somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything.”

At the court hearing, Fox 13 reported that Soto-Mella used an interpreter to tell the judge that he did not have a weapon.

Manatee County homicide detectives said they believe other individuals may be involved in the crime.

Flores-Toledo, who also went by the name Anibal Miller-Valencia, was arrested in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 2023 and served four months in jail for burglary before being released on parole in November, according to authorities. He had an active parole violation warrant and was considered “armed and dangerous.”

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The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News about whether the homeowner faces any charges. His identity had not been released as of Friday night.

Fox 13 Tampa BayChuck Merlis and Ryan Burkett contributed to this story.