By Trend News Line 2024-03-23 15:11:08.
Juan Jose Salazar-Diaz, 26, a resident of Punta Gorda, was found guilty of second-degree murder and grand theft auto in the killing of 21-year-old Tyren Kinard in September 2018. The trial, which took place in North Port, saw Assistant State Attorney Karen Fraivillig presenting a case built on circumstantial evidence collected from the crime scene where Kinard was found shot multiple times.
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During the trial, Salazar-Diaz represented himself and attempted to discredit the lead detective’s investigation, questioning the placement of his DNA and fingerprints at the crime scene. However, the jury ultimately found him guilty after two hours of deliberation.
The case against Salazar-Diaz stemmed from a fingerprint found on a pack of Newport cigarettes near Kinard’s body. The victim’s car, a silver Chrysler 200 sedan, was found abandoned with gunshot holes in the driver’s side window. Salazar-Diaz was arrested in December 2018 and charged with murder, grand theft auto, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Despite Salazar-Diaz’s attempts to provide an alibi with the testimony of his parents, the prosecution was able to present DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene. Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime laboratory analyst Maureen Meehan confirmed that Salazar-Diaz’s DNA was found on a latex glove in Kinard’s car.
Salazar-Diaz’s father, Juan Ricardo Salazar, testified that he had proof of his son’s whereabouts on the night of the murder, but failed to provide it to detectives. Photos taken during a search of the family’s home showed a gun in front of bedding that matched Salazar-Diaz’s, contradicting his father’s claim that he did not allow guns in the house.
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The sentencing hearing for Salazar-Diaz will take place within the next 30 days, where he faces a potential mandatory life sentence under the prison releasee re-offender law due to his prior felony convictions. While the family of Tyren Kinard will have the opportunity to share a statement during the hearing, they continue to grapple with the loss of their son.
Fraivillig expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, stating that justice had been served despite the lengthy legal proceedings. She emphasized the importance of circumstantial evidence in the case, highlighting the overwhelming proof of Salazar-Diaz’s involvement in the crime.
The conviction of Juan Jose Salazar-Diaz brings a sense of closure to the five and a half year ordeal faced by the Kinard family. While nothing can bring back their son, they now have faith in the justice system and the possibility of holding those responsible for his death accountable..
1. Punta Gorda man found guilty murder vehicle theft 2018 murder
2. Punta Gorda man guilty murder vehicle theft in murder.
