Teen killed, another injured in shooting involving 3 boys in Port Charlotte – GC News
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
CCSO
On July 5th, 2025, at approximately 5:20pm, a 911 caller reported a shooting in the area of the 22000 block of Hernando Avenue in Port Charlotte. The responding deputies located two males with gunshot wounds when they arrived at the location. Lifesaving measures were immediately started by deputies, with EMS personnel taking over once the scene was determined to be safe.
One of the males, identified as 19-year-old Michael Balunas, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later released. The other male, 17-year-old Anthony Steven Romero, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on scene.While the investigation is still active and ongoing, Major Crimes detectives determined there had been an on-going dispute between the two teens for some time. This particular encounter turned violent when both presented firearms and fired them at one another.
“”The outcome of an argument has left two families with their lives forever changed. An argument escalating to deadly violence in any circumstance is unacceptable, but when it’s between two teenagers, it is simply unfathomable. When kids and guns come together, it more often than not, ends in tragedy. Once again, we have lost two young lives. One sadly ending in death, the other facing prison, and a family grieving over the senseless loss of their child. This did not need to happen. In the last 48 hours, we have responded to two incidents involving teenagers with firearms, resulting in serious injuries and a death. As parents and guardians, it’s important to have conversations with our children about their lives, who they hang out with, healthy conflict resolution, and what to do if they need help.
I would like to commend my staff for working tirelessly through the holiday weekend to investigate both incidents, apprehend those involved, and ensure the safety of our community.”
-Sheriff Bill Prummell
Michael Balunas is being charged with second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a Florida delinquent adult.
The investigation on the 22000 block of Hernando Ave is still ongoing, and residents should expect the continued presence of deputies over the next 24 hours.
