PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Antonio D. Felix, 25, was arrested after detectives determined he knowingly purchased a firearm that was later used in the July 5, 2025, killing of 19-year-old Anthony Romero.
The investigation revealed that Michael Balunas, 19, the teen charged with Romero’s murder, enlisted Felix to buy a Glock 29 10mm because Balunas was on probation and legally prohibited from purchasing a firearm himself. Felix bought the gun at a local Port Charlotte shop on April 11, 2025, and picked it up on April 24. That same day, Balunas posted photos on social media holding the gun, openly bragging about possessing it and claiming it was legal.
During interviews, detectives confirmed that Balunas provided the money for the purchase and had a long-standing feud with Romero. The firearm purchased by Felix was ultimately used by Balunas to shoot and kill Romero, leading to the arrests of Balunas and another accomplice, Octavion Washington, shortly after the incident.
“It should not have ever come to this, but I want to thank my detectives for their diligence in finding everyone involved in this incident and for making sure they are all held accountable. My team is very thorough in their investigations and if you’re involved in something, they will find out about it. The bottom line is, stay out of someone else’s ‘beef’ unless you want to get wrapped up in the consequences as well. Imagine how different the lives of these families would all be if just one person had made the right choice, ” said Sheriff Bill Prummell in a statement.
Felix was charged with Obtaining a Firearm for an Unauthorized Person and was being processed at the Charlotte County Jail at the time of the announcement.
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