Cape Coral police arrest North Fort Myers teen linked to Sunday slaying of girl, 15
The arrest comes two days after 15-year-old Kayla Rincon-Miller was fatally shot as she walked with friends, Cape Coral police confirmed Wednesday.
Tomas RodriguezAbout 48 hours after a Cape Coral teen's shooting death, Cape Coral Police say they've arrested a teen linked to the Sunday night slaying.
Lisa Greenberg, spokesperson with Cape Coral Police, said officers arrested Thomas Roy Stein, 16, of North Fort Myers, who faces homicide charges. He was in court early Wednesday.
The News-Press doesn't typically name minors charged with crimes but is doing so because of the severity of the charge.
"Our detectives know there are others involved in this homicide, and there is still more work to be done," police said in a news release. "Cape Coral Police Department detectives’ diligent work around the clock continues today to narrow this investigation."
Stein is accused in the Sunday night death of Kayla Rincon-Miller, 15, of Cape Coral. She and two friends had left a movie theater and were walking to a nearby McDonald's.
One of the girls told detectives a car pulled up about 10:30 p.m. and blinded them with its lights before an unknown number of suspects jumped out of the car and tried to rob them.
Police report a witness said one person began to shoot, striking Rincon-Miller in the chest. The other two girls were not injured. The witness said she didn't know who the shooter was.
Greenberg also said police have located the SUV, a silver Nissan Pathfinder rented by Stein's mother.
She said the investigation continues and did not answer questions at the news conference, including if the mother would face charges as an accessory.
Greenberg said that, based on the evidence, police do not believe the shooting was a random act of violence.
A witness who lives near the intersection of Southeast 20th Street and Southeast 16th Place, who wished to remain anonymous, said she heard about three gunshots.
She started a memorial in honor of Rincon-Miller on Monday, and added that "this could've been anyone's child."
On Monday evening, Cape Coral police forensics investigators and at least one K9 unit from the Lee County Sheriff's Office began canvassing the area for evidence.
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Forensics investigators with the police department placed at least five evidence markers at the scene.
Jail records indicate Stein is due in court April 8 for his arraignment. Cape Coral Police didn't immediately confirm if either of his parents will face charges.
The department has been in touch with Rincon-Miller's family to update them, Greenberg said. The family has a GoFundMe set up to raise money for funeral expenses. By Wednesday morning, it had raised nearly $9,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cape Coral Police Department at (239) 574-3223.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, who may be reached at 1-800-780-TIPS, are offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 for anyone whose anonymous tips help lead to an arrest. They said doorbell camera video may also be submitted.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.