2 killed in 2 days at condos known for heroin use, sales
As landscapers cleared shrubs and cut the lawn in an effort to beautify the front of the Blossom Park condo complex, deputy patrol cars and crime scene investigation vans lined the back and officials searched for evidence where two homicides occurred in less than 48 hours.
The most recent victim was 24-year-old Jennifer Valentin-Muniz. She was found shot to death near building F about 4:25 a.m. Friday.
Another man, 23-year-old Jose Pomales-Santiago, was shot one building over near building G about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, deputies said. Pomales-Santiago was rushed to a local hospital, where he died.
It's too soon to say if the two shooting deaths are related. But according to a report filed after Pomales-Santiago's recent arrest, Blossom Park is a haven for drugs.
"This complex is a high drug area, heroin in particular, and a lot of drug arrests are made in this complex," a report said.
Still a cheery yellow "Now Leasing" sign adorned with balloons hung near the front of the complex to welcome potential residents.
The condos, located near the intersection of Landstreet Road and South Orange Blossom Trail, are less than two miles south of Florida Mall. It is one of the many housing complexes converted from former motels and is home to a mostly Hispanic community.
The few residents willing to speak with media refused to share their names but said they routinely feel unsafe. But even though several said they wanted to leave the area, moving is not an immediate option for many of the low-income families.
In May, another person was killed at Blossom Park.
While patrolling the complex, deputies walked past Anthony Jones, 39, who sitting on a curb waiting for a friend. Minutes later deputies heard gunshots and rushed back to him but Jones had already been shot. He died at the scene.
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