St. Petersburg saw a conclusion to a violent incident from last year as 23-year-old Daniel Gonzalez pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Gonzalez's admission to the charges earlier this week marks a somber close to the case that shook the community on New Year's Day in 2023, when a 16-year-old was shot in a local parking garage.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reports that after the shooting, the St. Petersburg Police Department engaged in a brief pursuit of a vehicle seen fleeing the scene. Chased by officers, the chase was prematurely ended owing to weather conditions. Not long after, a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm pistol was discovered discarded on the road, which was later found to match ballistic evidence at the shooting site.
DNA testing linked Gonzalez to the weapon, with his profile being identified on two distinct parts of the pistol. Gonzalez, with a prior felony conviction, is legally prohibited from gun ownership, and now with the weight of the guilt, he may confront up to 15 years in prison. A sentencing date is currently pending.
This case came together through the joint efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside local law enforcement. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg underlined the gravity of the crime, emphasizing the threat posed by felons who unlawfully bear arms in our communities. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman is leading the prosecution.
