Fatal shooting in Naples Manor, search for suspect underway

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Credit: WINK News

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a fatal shooting in a Naples Manor neighborhood.

Deputies responded to the shooting at around 12:43 a.m. on Wednesday to the neighborhood located off Texas Avenue and U.S. 41 near Parkside Elementary School.

According to CCSO, a woman had been fatally shot.

The suspected shooter has not yet been identified nor taken into custody.

WINK News reporter Sommer Senne was deployed to the scene Wednesday morning to gather more information.

The victim’s family contacted WINK News, identifying the woman killed as 20-year-old Emily Ruiz.

According to the family, Ruiz died from a gunshot wound to her mouth. She was getting ready to move out of the home when the shooting occurred.

During the investigation, a green and red pickup truck was isolated, and law enforcement took photos of the area surrounding it.

Senne spoke with Larry Chapman, a resident of Texas Avenue, who said he overheard the gunshots and expressed concern for the safety of the neighborhood and the nearby elementary schools.

“It’s detrimental to the neighborhood,” said Chapman. “This neighborhood is between Lely and Parkside Elementary schools. Kids are walking through here every day, so for them to witness this and have it stay in their minds all day is definitely scary.”

WINK News reporter Amy Galo talked to Francis Herrera, a neighbor.

“I’m 21, so it’s really shocking because if she’s 20, I’ve probably seen her at school, or I probably ran into her without even knowing, so that’s really shocking because she was just a year younger than me,” Herrera said.

Ruiz’s uncle told WINK News that she was getting ready to move out of the house Wednesday when she was shot and killed.

We spoke to both Ruiz’s uncle and her mother via text messages.

They both shared a few words about Ruiz.

Her uncle wrote, “Emi loved her siblings, especially the little ones. Her smile is beautiful. She was my “flaquita.” She was beautiful and so kind and loving to those who were the same to her. She was super helpful whenever anyone asked her for a favor. She loved the beach.”

Ruiz’s mother said, “I love her, and without her, I don’t know what I’ll do. The other half of my life is missing.”

While the scene here cleared early Wednesday morning, the investigation is still ongoing.

As soon as we know any more details about this, we’ll be sure to let you know.

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