LABELLE, Florida, October 13, 2026. An 18-year-old man was fatally shot outside a church in LaBelle, Florida, on Monday evening, October 12, and another 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with the deadly incident, according to local news reporting citing the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to El Faro Assembly of God on Bryan Avenue at approximately 7:40 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. They found the victim in the church parking lot while another young man was attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Emergency medical personnel continued lifesaving efforts, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased as Angel CuaCua-Vasquez, an 18-year-old resident of LaBelle. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including an alleged confrontation involving the victim and the driver of a truck.
What Happened Outside El Faro Assembly of God?
According to the reported preliminary investigation, CuaCua-Vasquez had been walking through the neighborhood with three friends when they were approached by a young man driving a truck accompanied by another person.
Witnesses told investigators that an argument developed between the victim and the driver. Several gunshots were then heard, and CuaCua-Vasquez fell to the ground.
Investigators also reported that the person accused of firing the shots allegedly attempted to shoot at witnesses as they fled the scene.
The precise events leading up to the confrontation, including what triggered the argument, had not been fully established in the available reporting.
Victim Dies Despite Emergency Medical Efforts
Deputies arriving at the church found the victim in the parking lot, where CPR was already being performed.
Emergency medical services personnel attempted to save his life, but their efforts were unsuccessful. CuaCua-Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death has become the central focus of the criminal investigation. Additional information about his family, personal background, and funeral arrangements was not confirmed in the reports reviewed.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office said investigators identified the truck’s driver and passenger during the initial investigation. Authorities subsequently located both individuals at a residence on Pike Lane in LaBelle and brought them to the sheriff’s office for questioning.
According to the published account, detectives determined that David Luis Martinez Reyes, 18, possessed and fired a weapon during the incident.
Martinez Reyes was arrested and faces one count of homicide and three counts of attempted homicide, according to the sheriff’s office as reported by local media. He was being held without bond at the time of the report.
The charges reflect allegations made by investigators. The case must proceed through the criminal justice system, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Three Other People Were Reportedly Targeted
Investigators’ account indicates that the shooting involved more than the fatal injury to CuaCua-Vasquez. The three people who were walking with him reportedly ran from the scene after gunfire erupted.
Authorities allege that the person who fired the weapon also attempted to shoot at those witnesses. The three attempted-homicide charges correspond to the reported allegations involving the surviving individuals.
The available report did not provide detailed information about whether any of the witnesses suffered physical injuries.
Key Facts About the LaBelle Shooting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | El Faro Assembly of God, Bryan Avenue, LaBelle, Florida |
| Incident date | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Approximate response time | 7:40 p.m. |
| Victim | Angel CuaCua-Vasquez, 18 |
| Suspect | David Luis Martinez Reyes, 18 |
| Law enforcement agency | Hendry County Sheriff’s Office |
| Reported charges | One homicide count and three attempted-homicide counts |
| Custody status | Reported held without bond |
| Investigation | Criminal investigation ongoing |
Investigation Continues
Investigators are working to establish the full sequence of events, including the circumstances of the confrontation and the actions of those present.
The reported account does not establish a motive for the shooting. Further details may emerge through additional statements from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office or subsequent court proceedings.
Anyone with verified information about the incident may contact local law enforcement. Updates should be based on official statements or reliable reporting as the investigation develops.
Disclaimer
This article is based on local news reporting published on October 13, 2026, concerning a shooting reported the previous evening. Details may change as investigators release further information. Criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.