The crimes committed carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

Sentencing has been scheduled for June 2025

On April 9, 2022, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting and deputies found the victim James Tuten with two gunshot wounds to his abdomen. The defendant arrived at his ex-wife’s house and became angry and violent when he found Mr. Tuten in the residence. After verbally confronting Mr. Tuten, Monroe pulled a gun from his waistband in the presence of his his 14 year old son and his ex-wife, Danielle Mgogo. Ms Mgogo grabbed her son and fled to a nearby bedroom, where she & her son concealed themselves in a closet and placed a 7-minute phone call to 911, in which she described the incident in graphic detail.

Immediately afterward, the defendant fled from the residence with the murder weapon. He then drove to a family member’s home, where he fully confessed his crime to his brother-in-law. The defendant then remained at large for twenty-four hours. During that time he concealed his car, his cellphone and the clothing he wore during the shooting. The murder weapon was never recovered.

Karen Fraivillig, the lead prosecutor in the case commented: “This was a case of uncontrolled rage and jealousy. The defendant, who is a convicted felon, admitted to his brother-in-law that he shot the victim because he felt “disrespected” that another man had taken the his place in the home where he formerly lived with his ex-wife and children. The Sarasota Sheriff’s Office is to be commended for their diligence and in locating the defendant withing 24 hours of the crime.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Karen Fraivillig in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.