Navarro Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder of Father-in-Law

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Stephen Navarro was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder (Domestic). With the verdict, Navarro faces up to life in Florida State. The Honorable Mark Borello will sentence Navarro during a hearing the week of Feb. 24, 2023.

Just after midnight Sept. 24, 2021, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a person being shot at a Lane Avenue apartment complex. When officers arrived, they found a woman applying pressure to the gunshot wound of a male victim. The investigation revealed Navarro and his wife became roommates with her father. Shortly after moving in, the victim allegedly stopped paying rent and they were threatened with eviction. The victim could not be taken off the lease without his consent or unless they were evicted. Navarro armed himself prior to confronting the victim about the late rent payments. A heated argument between the two ensued Navarro shot the victim twice.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Sheila Loizos and Megan Sowell.