Bradenton Man Claimed Murder Victim Killed Himself On Video: Cops

SARASOTA, FL — A 20-year-old Bradenton man has been charged with murder in connection with a weekend slaying in which he allegedly attempted to convince the victim's brother that the man committed suicide during a video call.

Juan Jose Esparza was charged with murder, armed burglary and related charges in connection with the Friday night death of the Sarasota man at the man's home on 6th Street. Esparza is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.

Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department said officers were initially called to the victim's home regarding a possible suicide.

"Officers received no response at the door and forcibly entered the home," Judge explained. "Officers found the victim, an adult male, deceased on the living room floor of an apparent gunshot wound. Evidence revealed that the victim did not die by suicide."

Court documents said Sarasota police found a 9 mm shell casing on the floor of the victim's home and a bullet hole in the ceiling but they did not find the murder weapon.

"The victim was found deceased lying face down on the living room floor with a gunshot wound to his head," court documents said.

Esparza allegedly told the victim's brother that he had been on a video chat with the victim and watched him shoot himself in the head. Court documents said Esparza was placed outside the victim's home Friday night. Esparza's roommates told police that Esparza placed a gun on their couch after returning home, according to court documents.

Sarasota police were withholding the victim's name under Marsy’s Law. Court documents said Esparza was on probation at the time of the murder.

To report a tip, call Sarasota Police Detective Maria Llovio at ‪941-263-6836‬ or call CrimeStoppers of Sarasota at ‪941-366-TIPS‬.