The Bradenton Police Department has arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with a double homicide that left two men dead on 12th Avenue East last month.
Jakourtney Johnson, 34, faces two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm in the deaths of Antonio Rosario, 30, and Willie Stubbs Jr., 43.
The shooting occurred shortly after 6:20 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the 400 block of 12th Avenue East. Officers responding to a report of gunfire found Rosario and Stubbs near the end of a dead-end road.
Rosario was pronounced dead at the scene. Stubbs died while being transported to a hospital.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators believe the shooting followed an ongoing dispute involving Johnson and the two victims. Witnesses told investigators the men confronted one another on 12th Avenue East before a physical altercation developed between Rosario and Stubbs.
During the confrontation, witnesses reported seeing Johnson fire several shots toward Rosario. Both Rosario and Stubbs were struck and fatally wounded.
Johnson was already in custody when the homicide charges were filed. Police arrested him Sept. 26 on multiple outstanding warrants related to narcotics offenses. During an interview with detectives, Johnson acknowledged knowing Rosario and Stubbs but denied involvement in the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradenton Police Detective Brian Sands at brian.sands@bradentonpd.com. Anonymous information may also be submitted through Manatee County Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com.
