Paul Maraio Obituary, Death; – A shooter, who has been accused of murdering two individuals in Port St. Lucie, passed away on Tuesday due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he had barricaded himself inside a residence, according to authorities.
The suspect has been identified as 62-year-old Paul Maraio.
As reported by the Port St. Lucie Police, officers responded to the 2700 block of Southeast Tropical Circle on Monday after receiving notifications of gunfire.
Police indicated that there were several reports concerning two men who had been shot in different locations within the community.
“It seems there was some form of ongoing dispute between neighbors, and something pushed our suspect to the brink, leading him to take matters into his own hands,” stated Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk.
Maraio, a resident of the community, took a woman hostage and barricaded himself in a home while armed, according to police reports.
A standoff subsequently occurred as SWAT teams, K-9 units, and crisis negotiation teams arrived at the scene.
During the standoff, negotiators made efforts to persuade Maraio to exit the residence, and he ultimately released the hostage without harm.
After approximately an hour of being barricaded, Maraio informed officers that he had shot himself, which was later confirmed by an indoor drone utilized by the police.
SWAT teams then entered the residence, took Maraio into custody, and transported him to the hospital in critical condition.
The following day, Maraio succumbed to his injuries.
The names of the two deceased men have not been disclosed.
