A fatal shooting in St. Lucie County on April 30, 2025, resulted in one death and the arrest of a man seen on surveillance video holding two firearms. The incident occurred near Edwards Road and South 23rd Street, involving multiple individuals and vehicles exchanging gunfire, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Fatal Shooting Incident in St. Lucie County
The victim, identified as Edson Sainnatus, 27, of Fort Pierce, was killed during the incident. Deputies responded to the scene around 12:19 p.m., discovering Sainnatus deceased and multiple firearms present.
Carlos Covarrubius, 29, was arrested on a felony charge of possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. Surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed Covarrubius handling two firearms shortly before and after the shooting.
Surveillance Footage Captures Covarrubius with Firearms
According to an affidavit, Covarrubius appeared on surveillance video around 12:15 p.m. walking onto South 23rd Street while manipulating a rifle. He then exited the camera view, returning shortly thereafter to deliberately hand the firearm to a person identified as his brother.
Further footage showed Covarrubius exiting a residence in the 3100 block of South 23rd Street armed with a dark-colored AR-style pistol. He handed this weapon to his brother before appearing again on camera with a second firearm, an AR-15 style rifle. Investigators noted Covarrubius appeared to be dry-firing the weapon, a practice involving pulling the trigger without live ammunition, typically done to familiarize oneself with a firearm.
Investigative Actions and Arrest Details
Covarrubius was taken into custody and booked into the St. Lucie County Jail at 1:21 a.m. on May 1, 2025. Jail records indicate he remained held on a $50,000 bond as of May 2.
Investigators executed search warrants at two locations connected to Covarrubius, including his listed address on South 23rd Street and another residence located in the 300 block of St. James Boulevard, approximately three miles east of the crime scene. Authorities recovered two firearms matching those observed in the surveillance footage during these searches.
Statements from St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro
Sheriff Richard Del Toro provided updates during a press briefing on the day of the incident, describing the scene as resembling the “OK Corral,” referencing the historical shootout in Tombstone, Arizona, known for its intensity and violence. Del Toro confirmed multiple firearms were recovered and indicated the incident involved individuals from two separate vehicles exchanging gunfire.
“It appears that two vehicles pulled up just south of Edwards Road on South 23rd Street,” Del Toro stated. “The subjects got out of the vehicle and exchanged gunfire at one point.”
Background of Carlos Covarrubius
Court records show Covarrubius was previously adjudicated guilty in 2018 on felony charges related to cocaine and marijuana possession. Due to this prior felony conviction, his possession of firearms or ammunition constitutes a felony offense under Florida law.
This incident follows previous concerning events in Fort Pierce, including one case where guns and ammunition were seized after presidential threats, highlighting ongoing firearm-related challenges in the community.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The investigation remains active as authorities continue gathering evidence and witness statements. Sheriff’s officials have not yet disclosed a motive or additional details regarding the other individuals involved.
Residents in the area expressed concern over the incident, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the community. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Fatal Shooting
What happened during the fatal shooting in St. Lucie County?
On April 30, 2025, a fatal shooting occurred near Edwards Road and South 23rd Street involving multiple individuals exchanging gunfire. Edson Sainnatus, 27, of Fort Pierce, was killed, and Carlos Covarrubius was arrested on weapons charges.
How much is Carlos Covarrubius’ bond?
Carlos Covarrubius was held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $50,000 bond following his arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Are there surveillance videos of the shooting in PSL?
Yes, investigators reviewed surveillance footage clearly showing Covarrubius handling two firearms near the scene of the shooting. The footage is a critical part of the ongoing investigation.
Can you provide details about the firearms recovered?
Authorities recovered two firearms matching those seen in surveillance videos: an AR-style pistol and an AR-15 style rifle. These weapons were found during searches at two residences connected to Covarrubius.
Where are the locations involved in this shooting?
The shooting occurred near Edwards Road and South 23rd Street in St. Lucie County. Investigators also searched residences on South 23rd Street and St. James Boulevard related to the case.
Previously, Fort Pierce has seen similar incidents, including one involving two guns seized after threats to President Trump and another case involving a Fort Pierce man threatening President Trump with firearms.
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