Man in critical condition after Christmas Eve shooting at Charlotte County motel
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
CCSO
A man is under arrest after shooting another man during a dispute at a Punta Gorda motel.
At approximately 11:00pm on Christmas Eve 2024, deputies responded to a call that someone had been shot outside of the Jo El Motel at 11603 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. Upon arrival, they located one male who had been shot in the stomach/torso area lying on the ground. Deputies quickly secured the scene and with the help of a Punta Gorda Police officer, also located the alleged shooter who had remained on scene. The suspect, identified at Ilyjah J. Madison (03/12/2004), was in possession of a loaded semiautomatic pistol.
Through investigation, detectives with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit determined that the suspect had accompanied a female to the motel and remained outside as she met with the victim at his room. When the victim learned the suspect was outside, he went to the parking lot to confront the suspect, and an argument ensued. According to multiple reports, the argument turned physical when the victim entered the vehicle the suspect was in, and the fight then moved to the ground outside. At that time, the suspect fired a single round, striking the victim.
“Here we are again with another violent and unnecessary incident – and at Christmastime, no less. I can’t understand how people resort to this behavior instead of talking out their issue or walking away when that isn’t possible. Instead, someone is in jail, and someone else is in the hospital fighting for his life. Multiple families are affected, their holidays are ruined, and our community is tired of it all. Let us all pray for peace.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
Madison was cooperative with the investigation, and was ultimately arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a concealed firearm (under the age of 21). He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail.
The victim’s condition at the time of this release is critical.
