An 18-year-old man identified as Angel CuaCua-Vasquez of LaBelle, Florida, died after a shooting near a local church on Monday evening, October 12, 2026. The incident prompted a criminal investigation by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and led to the arrest of another 18-year-old man.
Deputies responded to El Faro Assembly of God on Bryan Avenue at approximately 7:40 p.m. after receiving a report of gunfire. When they arrived, they found CuaCua-Vasquez in the church parking lot, where another young man was reportedly attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Emergency medical personnel continued efforts to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local reporting that cited the sheriff’s office.
The investigation has since focused on an alleged confrontation that occurred before the shooting. Authorities say the case also involves allegations that three other people were targeted during the incident.
What Happened Outside El Faro Assembly of God?
The shooting occurred on the evening of October 12 near El Faro Assembly of God on Bryan Avenue in LaBelle.
According to information attributed to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, CuaCua-Vasquez had been walking through the neighborhood with three friends when they were approached by another young man in a truck and an unidentified passenger.
Witnesses reportedly told investigators that an argument developed between CuaCua-Vasquez and the driver of the truck. Several gunshots were then heard, and CuaCua-Vasquez fell to the ground.
The sheriff’s office also reported that the person believed to have fired the shots allegedly attempted to shoot at witnesses as they ran away from the scene.
These details form part of the reported investigative account. The full circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including what led to the argument, have not been established in the available reporting.
Emergency Crews Tried to Save the Teenager
When deputies arrived at the church parking lot, they found CuaCua-Vasquez seriously injured, with another young man reportedly performing CPR.
Emergency medical services personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but their efforts were unsuccessful. CuaCua-Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death at just 18 years old has brought attention to the shooting in the LaBelle community. The available reports do not provide verified information about his education, occupation, family circumstances, or future plans.
As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on establishing the facts of the incident while respecting the privacy of those grieving his death.
David Luis Martinez Reyes Arrested in Connection With the Shooting
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office identified David Luis Martinez Reyes, also 18, as the person arrested in connection with the case.
According to local news coverage citing the sheriff’s office, deputies identified individuals connected to the truck and located them at a residence on Pike Lane in LaBelle. They were taken to the sheriff’s office for questioning.
Investigators reportedly determined that Martinez Reyes possessed and fired a weapon during the incident. He was subsequently arrested and faced one count of homicide and three counts of attempted homicide, according to the published report.
The sheriff’s office reportedly said he was being held without bond at the time of the initial coverage.
The charges reflect allegations made in the investigation. An arrest does not establish guilt, and Martinez Reyes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Why the Case Includes Attempted-Homicide Charges
In addition to the fatal shooting of CuaCua-Vasquez, the reported investigation includes allegations involving the three friends who were with him.
According to witness accounts described in local reporting, the group ran from the scene after gunfire erupted. Investigators reportedly alleged that the person who fired the weapon also attempted to shoot at the fleeing witnesses.
The three attempted-homicide counts are connected to those reported allegations. The initial news coverage did not provide detailed information about whether any of the three witnesses sustained physical injuries.
The circumstances surrounding these allegations will be addressed through the criminal investigation and any subsequent court proceedings. A motive for the shooting has not been established in the reports reviewed.
Key Facts About the LaBelle Shooting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Angel CuaCua-Vasquez |
| Age | 18 |
| Hometown | LaBelle, Florida |
| Incident date | October 12, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 7:40 p.m. |
| Location | El Faro Assembly of God, Bryan Avenue, LaBelle |
| Investigating agency | Hendry County Sheriff’s Office |
| Suspect | David Luis Martinez Reyes, 18 |
| Reported charges | One count of homicide and three counts of attempted homicide |
| Reported custody status | Held without bond at the time of initial reporting |
| Reported motive | Not established in the reports reviewed |
| Case status | Criminal investigation and legal proceedings pending |
Investigation Continues in Hendry County
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the events that led to CuaCua-Vasquez’s death. Investigators may seek additional evidence and witness statements to establish the sequence of events and clarify the roles of those present.
Important questions remain, including what triggered the confrontation and whether further evidence will establish additional circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The available reports do not establish a motive, and speculation about the people involved should be avoided. Updates about the charges, evidence, and court proceedings should be based on official announcements or reliable reporting.
Remembering Angel CuaCua-Vasquez
Angel CuaCua-Vasquez was 18 years old when he died in the LaBelle shooting. His death represents a devastating loss for those who knew him, while the circumstances surrounding the incident have left members of the community seeking answers.
Verified information about his family, personal interests, education, and funeral arrangements was not available in the reports reviewed. Those details should be added only when confirmed by his loved ones or a reliable obituary notice.
Beyond the criminal investigation, the loss of a young person can leave relatives and friends facing grief that is difficult to put into words. Respect for CuaCua-Vasquez means recognizing the seriousness of his death without inventing details about his life or repeating unverified claims.
The other people who were present during the incident may also be coping with the aftermath of a frightening and potentially traumatic experience.
Angel CuaCua-Vasquez Obituary and Cause of Death
Angel CuaCua-Vasquez, 18, of LaBelle, Florida, died on October 12, 2026, after being shot near El Faro Assembly of God on Bryan Avenue. Deputies with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 7:40 p.m. and found him in the church parking lot.
Emergency personnel attempted to save his life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local reports.
The sheriff’s office investigation led to the arrest of David Luis Martinez Reyes, 18, who was reported to face one homicide count and three attempted-homicide counts. The allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Further verified information about CuaCua-Vasquez’s life and memorial arrangements may become available through family announcements or an official obituary.
May Angel CuaCua-Vasquez be remembered with dignity and compassion. Heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and loved ones as they mourn his death.
Disclaimer: This article is based on local news reporting that cites information from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. Details about the shooting and criminal allegations reflect information available at the time of writing and may be updated as the investigation and court proceedings develop. The suspect has not been presumed guilty. This article is intended for informational and memorial purposes.