A man charged in the 2021 gang-related homicide of John Michael Colon has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Reynol Gonzalez Jr., 27, pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025, in Circuit Court to his role in the death of Colon. Gonzalez entered a plea agreement and was sentenced as a Prison Release Reoffender, meaning he faces enhanced penalties due to a prior prison release.
Four additional suspects are awaiting trial on charges including third-degree murder, aggravated battery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery.
The incident occurred on July 13, 2021, just before 11:30 a.m., when deputies and emergency personnel responded to Silent Breeze Street and Wolf Road in Brooksville. A delivery driver had called 911, reporting a man lying unresponsive in the roadway.
Emergency personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Deputies identified the deceased as John Michael Colon, who was found near the rear passenger door of a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta registered in his name. The Medical Examiner for Florida District 5 later determined the cause of death to be homicide.
Investigators revealed Colon had been a member of the Latin Kings, a nationally known criminal gang. He was reportedly killed during a ritual “beating” and “stripping of his membership” required to leave the gang.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified five suspects connected to Colon’s death. Arrest warrants were issued on October 18, 2022, for the following individuals:
Shayne A. White-Gracteroly, 34, from Hernando County
Jimmy Nguyen, 30, from Hernando County
Reynol Gonzalez, 27, from Putnam County
Hector Robles, 48, from Marion County
Reynaldo Fonseca, 33, from Marion County
All five suspects were charged with third-degree murder, aggravated battery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery. By October 27, 2022, all had been located and arrested. Three remain in custody at the Hernando County Detention Center, while two have been released on bond, as permitted by Florida law.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information regarding the case. Anyone with details is urged to contact Detective Tom Cameron at 352-754-6830.
This story remains under development as trials for the four remaining suspects proceed.
