Cape Coral Man Arrested for Manslaughter

(October 31, 2022)- On October 30, 2022, at approximately 12:13 a.m., Cape Coral Police Department officers responded to a call for service at 636 Del Prado Blvd South (Cape Coral Hospital) in reference to a shooting. 

The call notes stated that a male, later identified as the victim, Damian Michael Gonzalez (W/M 06-06-1999, 2520 SW 15th Ave), arrived at the hospital after sustaining an apparent gunshot wound to his upper chest. Mr. Gonzalez was later pronounced deceased. 

Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to three other involved individuals who were inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred. One of the males, identified as Giordanni Vidal Castro (B/M 06-19-2004, 503 Juanita Place), was seated in the front passenger side seat in front of Mr. Gonzalez, who was sitting in the rear. After bantering back and forth, Mr. Castro took his handgun from his lap and placed it against Mr. Gonzalez's chest, and fired the handgun. Mr. Castro did not realize the handgun was loaded.

The handgun was tossed from the vehicle in panic but was later located and submitted as evidence. Mr. Gonzalez was immediately transported to Cape Coral Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed that this was not an intentional act, and all occupants confirmed a similar account of what had occurred.

Mr. Castro was subsequently transported to Lee County Jail.

Mr. Castro was charged with the following:

* Manslaughter F.S.S. 782.07(1).