PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – The Pinellas Park Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at a residence on Applewood Terrace North. The incident occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2024.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire near 35th Street North and Applewood Terrace. Upon arrival, they discovered an altercation at 3531 Applewood Terrace North between 22-year-old Jose Vanegas-Letcher and 45-year-old Stanley McSwain Jr. The men were at the home of McSwain Jr’s girlfriend when a dispute escalated.
As McSwain attempted to leave the residence, Vanegas-Letcher retrieved a firearm and shot him multiple times. McSwain was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives detained and questioned Vanegas-Letcher, ultimately charging him with second-degree murder. The investigation remains ongoing, and no booking photograph is currently available.
Authorities have classified this as an isolated incident, stating there is no ongoing threat to the community.