FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Two suspects face charges in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old man in Fort Pierce last year.
Police announced Thursday that David L. Harris III and Jerimah C. Nelson were recently arrested in connection with the March 16, 2024, shooting death of Jackson Romanello.
Investigators said Romanello was in a Honda Pilot near 23rd Street and Avenue C in Fort Pierce when he was gunned down.
"As a result of the diligent work from our detectives and the positive working relationship with area agencies consisting of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Martin County Sheriff's Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the 19th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office and Homeland Security Investigations, the family is a step closer to closure," Fort Pierce police said in a statement.
Investigators said Harris, who is being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on unrelated charges, now faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted robbery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Nelson, who turned himself in to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office on narcotics-related charges, faces charges of attempted purchase and conspiracy to purchase cannabis, attempted purchase and conspiracy to buy amphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
According to an arrest affidavit, the shooting occurred during a drug deal that was initiated by Romanello and Nelson, who had been exchanging text messages for several weeks leading up to the shooting.
The arrest report said that on the day of the shooting, Romanello, who was living in Fort Myers, traveled with a friend to Fort Pierce to sell marijuana and Adderall to Nelson.
Investigators said that when Romanello met up with Nelson, Harris abruptly approached the driver's side window of Romanello's vehicle.
Harris then put a gun to the victim's head, firing a single shot that killed Romanello, according to the arrest affidavit.
The Romanello family sent WPTV's reporter Cassandra Garcia the following statement in response to the arrests:
“On March 16, 2024, we suffered the worst nightmare a parent can experience, the murder of our beloved son Jackson. With news that an arrest has been made in his case, we are relieved that [Harris] is off the streets and that another family may not have to endure the tragedy ours did. We are so very grateful to the Fort Pierce Police Department and other law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly and diligently to bring this murderer to justice. While nothing can ever truly mend the loss we feel, we believe in our criminal justice system and expect that accountability and justice will prevail while we focus on celebrating the memory of our son.”
Garcia also reached out to Harris' grandmother, Geraldine Ford, who said she does not believe Harris is responsible for Romanello's murder.
