Fort Pierce Police seeking help in locating homicide suspect

The Fort Pierce Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating 42-year-old Edwin Ruiz-Avila in connection with a recent shooting death.

On June 11, 2023, at approximately 9:48 p.m., Fort Pierce Police officers responded to a shooting incident in the 800 block of South 21st Street.

An investigation revealed two victims, 34-year-old Guillermo Barrientos Otero, who was unresponsive with gunshot wounds, and a 38-year-old male with a single gunshot wound to his arm. Both victims were transported by St. Lucie County Fire Rescue to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. Otero succumbed to his injuries, while the 38-year-old victim was treated and listed in good condition.

Ruiz-Avila is described as a Hispanic male standing between 5-foot-7-inches and 5-foot-9-inches tall and weighing between 140-150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, khaki shorts, white sneakers, a rosary chain, a gold chain with a gold-colored cross and a black watch on his left wrist.

This case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about Ruiz-Avila or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Evens Saintilien at 772-467-6878 (office), 772-302-4796 (cell) or esaintilien@fppd.org, or Detective Paul Cunzo at (772) 370-6631 or pcunzo@fppd.org. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)-273-8477. Ruiz-Avila is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.