On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m., deputies responded to a reported shooting outside the Jo El Motel at 11603 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda.
Upon arrival, deputies found a man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his stomach/torso. The alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old Ilyjah J. Madison, remained on the scene and was in possession of a loaded semiautomatic pistol.
Detectives with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit determined that Madison had accompanied a woman to the motel. While she met with the victim in his room, Madison waited outside. When the victim learned of Madison’s presence, he confronted him in the parking lot, leading to an argument. The situation escalated when the victim entered the vehicle Madison was in, and a physical fight ensued. During the altercation, Madison fired a single shot, striking the victim.
The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Madison was cooperative with investigators and was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a concealed firearm by a person under 21. He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail.
Sheriff Bill Prummell commented on the incident: “Here we are again with another violent and unnecessary incident – and at Christmastime, no less. I can’t understand how people resort to this behavior instead of talking out their issue or walking away when that isn’t possible. Instead, someone is in jail, and someone else is in the hospital fighting for his life. Multiple families are affected, their holidays are ruined, and our community is tired of it all. Let us all pray for peace.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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