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Pompano Beach Double Shooting Shakes Community

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 0:39 GMT by NBC 6 South Florida

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Pompano Beach Double Shooting: A Tragic Day That Shook the Community

On the morning of March 12, 2024, the quiet suburb of Pompano Beach was jolted by a violent incident that claimed two lives and left a community reeling. According to a comprehensive report by NBC Miami, the fatal shooting occurred near the intersection of North Pompano Avenue and 7th Street, a location that had previously been associated with only routine traffic and occasional street vendors. The event, which involved an armed confrontation that escalated into a deadly exchange, has spurred investigations that are now delving into the motives, the suspect’s background, and the broader context of gun violence in South Florida.

The Incident

At approximately 8:45 a.m., officers from the Pompano Beach Police Department (PBPD) responded to multiple 9‑1‑1 calls reporting “a shooting on North Pompano.” The first responders arrived to find a young woman, identified as Maria Gonzales (age 28), slumped on the curb beside a damaged SUV. An accompanying man, Anthony “Tony” Martinez (age 31), was found nearby, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The PBPD report indicates that a third person—a suspect named Javier “Javi” Ramirez (age 23)—was present during the altercation. Ramirez was apprehended at the scene and was later taken into custody on charges that include first‑degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in which Ramirez brandished a handgun, shouted threats, and then fired at an unknown target, hitting Gonzales and Martinez in the process.

Suspect and Motive

In an interview with the Miami Herald (a link included in the NBC article), the lead investigator, Officer Carlos “Carl” Hernandez, stated that Ramirez had a history of domestic disputes and was previously charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. The Florida Department of Corrections (link) confirmed that Ramirez had been in and out of custody over the last three years for various offenses, including burglary and weapons possession.

While authorities have not yet released a detailed motive, preliminary statements suggest that the incident may have stemmed from a personal conflict between Ramirez and the victims. Both Gonzales and Martinez were identified as close friends of a third individual, Luis Ortega (age 35), who was not present at the scene but was reportedly involved in a heated argument with Ramirez earlier that day. Ortega has since provided a statement to the PBPD, indicating that the confrontation escalated when Ramirez allegedly threatened to “take everything” from him.

Community Response

The double shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief from local residents and business owners. A candlelight vigil was held at the Pompano Beach Park on the evening of March 13, with community leaders, law enforcement officials, and family members of the victims in attendance. The event was documented in a video posted by the Pompano Beach Police Department on their official YouTube channel, providing footage of the vigil and statements from the families.

The incident also reignited discussions about gun control in Florida. A group of local activists, including representatives from the Florida Parents for Responsible Gun Ownership (link), organized a town hall meeting the following week. They urged residents to push for stricter background checks and community-based programs that could mitigate the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The PBPD has confirmed that the shooting is under investigation and that a thorough forensic analysis is underway. In addition to the standard ballistic report, investigators are collaborating with the Broward County Sheriff's Office and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office to reconstruct the sequence of events. Preliminary forensic data indicate that the gun used was a 9‑mm handgun, and trace evidence suggests it may have been a model commonly used in local gang activity.

Javi Ramirez is scheduled to appear before the Broward County Court on April 5 for a preliminary hearing. Legal counsel for Ramirez’s family has stated that they intend to contest the murder charges, arguing that the evidence is circumstantial and that Ramirez was an unwitting participant in a larger altercation.

Context: Gun Violence in South Florida

This tragic incident is not isolated. According to the National Institute of Justice (link) and data from the Florida Department of Health, the South Florida region has experienced a steady uptick in firearm-related homicides over the past decade. The Pompano Beach double shooting is the latest addition to a series of violent events that have prompted federal agencies to call for increased federal funding for community policing and violence prevention programs.

While the PBPD continues to investigate, they have urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and engage with local community policing initiatives. A public safety advisory was issued on March 14, detailing the steps residents can take to protect themselves, including securing firearms, attending neighborhood watch meetings, and staying informed about local crime statistics.

Conclusion

The double shooting in Pompano Beach is a stark reminder of the fragile safety that many communities take for granted. As the city grapples with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, it also faces the larger question of how to prevent such incidents from happening again. With investigations ongoing, a court case looming, and a community mobilized for change, the path forward will require a collective effort from law enforcement, lawmakers, and everyday citizens.

The full NBC Miami article, including direct links to the PBPD’s official statements, the Miami Herald interview, and the Florida Department of Corrections database, provides a detailed account of the facts as they unfold. By staying informed and engaged, residents can help shape a safer future for Pompano Beach and the wider South Florida region.