On January 21, 2024, at about 1:00 am, deputies responded to a shooting at 1131 Doncaster Court in Kissimmee. Steven Jesus Perez, 31, was found outside with multiple gunshot wounds and a minimal pulse; he was pronounced dead within the hour. The shooting took place during a 30th birthday party at the home.

An unknown person struck Perez from behind; Perez fired one round that struck the hostess in the knee. Multiple gunshots followed. Maximo Mercado Jr. recalled picking up a gun from the floor and firing to get his wife to safety; Mercado Jr. later admitted firing two rounds before running to a black Cadillac Escalade. Mercado Jr. and Liam Nicholson were identified as shooters. Both were arrested on January 22, 2024, and charged in Perez’s homicide; Mercado Jr. faced an initial charge of premeditated murder.

The case is described as isolated and remains under investigation. If anyone at the party or nearby that night has information about what happened, please come forward.