Florida Horse Dispute May Have Led To Murder

LAKELAND, FL — An ongoing dispute over the alleged theft of a horse may have led to a Florida murder. Twenty-four-year-old Henry Fernandez-Soto of Lakeland died Thursday after being shot in the chest, according to Brian Bruchey of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The shooting occurred shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday in the 1700 block of Oakland Road East in Lakeland.

"Deputies are currently trying to find the shooter, who has been identified as Celso Omar Sanchez Acosta, also known as, "Coqui," Bruchey said.

Fernandez-Soto's girlfriend told investigators she and her boyfriend went to the residence to pick up some horse-riding equipment from the 29-year-old Sanchez Acosta. Neither of the men live at the address where the shooting took place.

"The woman told detectives that while she waited in the car, she heard gunshots and watched as Sanchez Acosta was running after Fernandez-Soto and pointing a gun at him," Bruchey said. "She went on to tell the detectives that the two men had an ongoing dispute regarding an alleged theft of a horse."

She also told deputies that Fernandez-Soto told her recently Sanchez Acosta had verbally threatened him and mentioned a rifle.

Bruchey said deputies found Fernandez-Soto behind a home suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where he died the following morning.

"While this was not a random shooting, we need to find and lock up Sanchez Acosta as soon as possible," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "He's armed and should be considered dangerous."

A warrant for first-degree murder has been issued for Sanchez Acosta, who may be driving a white 1999 Ford F250. The vehicle has Florida tag LBFN70.

To report a tip, call Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS.