A Florida man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing Lanessa Rodriguez, a 35-year-old store manager, at a We Buy Gold store in Fort Pierce, Florida. The incident occurred on April 28, 2026, and has left the community in shock.
The Shooting
Landen Ballard, 20, was arrested after an investigation revealed that he had shot Rodriguez after engaging in a casual conversation with her at the store. According to the arrest warrant and police reports, Ballard entered the store with two unnamed individuals and began speaking with Rodriguez as if they were familiar with each other. After a brief exchange, Ballard allegedly produced a 9mm handgun and shot Rodriguez multiple times, killing her.
Witnesses and surveillance footage show that the shooting occurred in a matter of minutes, with Ballard reportedly shooting Rodriguez once in the shoulder before firing several more shots into her chest, leaving her to die behind her desk. In her final moments, Rodriguez attempted to reach for a phone to call for help, but she was unable to do so before succumbing to her injuries.
Aftermath and Arrest
After the murder, Ballard and his companions allegedly fled the scene, and Ballard is reported to have bragged about the crime during a car ride with one of the women who had driven him to the store. She later contacted the police and provided a detailed account of what had transpired, including Ballard’s statements about having no remorse for the killing.
Ballard allegedly discarded the gun and its magazine during the getaway, and police were able to recover the weapon. The woman who drove Ballard to the store confirmed to police that Ballard had intended to rob the store but abandoned the plan after noticing police activity at the scene.
Ballard was eventually arrested at his parents’ house and charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and other related charges. He is currently being held without bond at the St. Lucie County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Rodriguez’s Background
Rodriguez, a transgender woman and a fixture in the drag queen circuit, was remembered fondly by her friends and community. Known for her huge heart and as an incredible person, Rodriguez’s death has left those close to her devastated. Police identified Rodriguez using her birth name, Lazaro Rodriguez Vega.
Ballard’s Trial and Statements
During a second interview with police, Ballard allegedly expressed no remorse for his actions, once again saying that he didn’t feel guilty about the shooting. In his conversations with the women involved, he claimed he had no emotional reaction to the murder and discussed plans to leave for New York.
This case remains under investigation, and Ballard’s trial is expected to attract significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime. The local community continues to mourn the loss of Rodriguez, and police are continuing their investigation into any possible motives or connections.
