Police cooperation required for Club Blu victims in need of assistance funds

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Victims and family members of those killed in the Club Blu shooting may be turning down up to $25,000 in compensation funds from the Attorney General’s office by not cooperating with law enforcement.

The state’s victim assistance grant program offers funding to help with the “emotional and physical needs of crime victims” following victimization.

Those injured in the shooting could receive up to $15,000 in benefits by applying through the state.

“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” said Trish Routte, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers coordinator. “If you know something, you can still call. Please call, we need that information.”

Routte says as long as the violent offenders responsible for the death of two teenagers are out on the streets, there will continue to be a safety issue in Fort Myers.

“Here we are two weeks later and these guys who had no consideration for human life, for anybody’s human life, are still out there on the streets,” Routte added.

Hours after the shooting, police had three people in custody on unrelated charges, but they have since been released on bond.

Police also found a stolen car burning at a complex near the Edison Mall they say is connected to the shooting. Two high powered rifles were found at the scene and a few days later, detectives arrested Jazmin Barron, a Lehigh Acres woman, on gun-related charges.

“You have rougly 80 people who were at the club. That is 80 people right there and 80 potential tips I should be getting,” Routte said.

If you have any information on the shooting, you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.