Edson Sainnatus Obituary, Death: Fort Pierce shootout leaves one dead, five detained.

Edson Sainnatus Obituary, Death – Authorities in Fort Pierce have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in broad daylight on Wednesday. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 29-year-old Carlos Covarrubias has been taken into custody and is facing charges related to the possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The arrest is part of a larger homicide investigation into a deadly incident that unfolded near the intersection of Edwards Road and South 23rd Street, extending to the area around Nicholas Road. Around 12:20 p.m., deputies responded to multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire in the area. Sheriff Richard Del Toro provided details during a press briefing, describing a chaotic and violent scene that quickly drew law enforcement response.
When the first deputy arrived at the location, several bystanders urgently flagged him down, directing him to Nicholas Road, just east of the initial location. There, the deputy discovered a vehicle that had veered into a ditch. The car was still running and had visible damage from a bullet hole, indicating that it may have been part of the active shooting incident.
As the investigation progressed, officers observed someone walking away from the area in a suspicious manner. That individual was quickly detained. Continuing their search further south along 23rd Street, deputies discovered the lifeless body of a man lying in front of a residence. He was later identified by authorities as 27-year-old Edson Sainnatus, a Fort Pierce resident. The details surrounding his death are still being determined, but investigators believe he was fatally wounded during the gunfire exchange that prompted the initial emergency calls.
In total, five individuals have been taken into custody as part of the investigation. Authorities have not yet released the names of the other four individuals, nor have they specified what roles they may have played in the incident. However, they have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that each detained person is being interviewed extensively.
Sheriff Del Toro shared that the situation escalated rapidly, making it difficult for witnesses to process exactly what occurred. “We’re reviewing surveillance footage and gathering as much evidence as we can. We’re also speaking with numerous witnesses who were present when everything unfolded. It all happened very quickly, and with the volume of gunfire, you can imagine how chaotic it must have been,” Del Toro stated.
At the crime scene, several firearms were recovered and are now being examined as part of the investigation. Forensic teams are analyzing the weapons for fingerprints, DNA evidence, and ballistics information that could help determine who used them and which firearm may have caused the fatal injuries.
The sheriff’s office issued a public safety alert to residents in the immediate area shortly after the shooting, advising them to stay indoors and lock their doors and garages. While there was no confirmation that any additional suspects were at large, officials said the advisory was a precautionary measure as the scene was still active and the full scope of the incident remained unclear at the time.
Carlos Covarrubias is currently being held in the St. Lucie County Jail. While his initial charge relates to illegal possession of weapons as a convicted felon, it is possible that additional charges may follow as investigators learn more about the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
The sheriff’s office has not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting or whether those involved knew each other. They are continuing to explore whether the incident may have stemmed from a dispute, a targeted attack, or another form of criminal activity. Law enforcement officials are hoping that witness testimony, surveillance video, and forensic evidence will soon paint a clearer picture of what transpired.
The death of Edson Sainnatus has sent shockwaves through the Fort Pierce community, where residents are now grappling with the violence that erupted in their neighborhood. Some neighbors expressed fear and sadness over the incident, stating that the sound of multiple gunshots was terrifying and unlike anything they had previously experienced in the area.
Law enforcement has promised to maintain a strong presence in the neighborhood while the investigation continues. Detectives are also urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, whether it be from eyewitness accounts, video footage, or other tips that may help piece together the chain of events leading up to the shooting.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain committed to uncovering the full truth and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable. The sheriff’s office has stated that public safety remains a top priority and that they are doing everything possible to bring justice to the victim’s family and restore peace to the community.
Updates are expected as investigators continue to analyze evidence and conduct interviews. Meanwhile, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is asking community members to stay alert and report any suspicious activity that could aid the investigation.