Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting of Fort Pierce Pawn Shop Manager

Fort Pierce, Florida – Police have arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old pawn shop manager. Landen Julian Ballard, 20, of Vero Beach, Florida, was taken into custody on April 29 and charged with first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and violating his probation in connection with the killing of Lazaro Rodriguez Vega.

Investigation Details

The incident occurred between 6 and 7 p.m. on April 28 at the Cash Out Gold and Silver pawn shop located on South U.S. Highway 1 in Fort Pierce. According to Fort Pierce Police Chief Dave Smith, two men entered the business and interacted with Rodriguez Vega, the store manager. During the encounter, one of the men shot her multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Concerned after being unable to reach Rodriguez Vega by phone, an employee from another store location stopped by the shop on his way home. He discovered Rodriguez Vega deceased inside and immediately called 911 around 7:15 p.m.

Suspect Apprehended

Utilizing video surveillance footage from the shop and its surroundings, investigators were able to track the suspect’s route after he left the premises. This led police to a discarded firearm and magazine clip. The evidence helped identify and locate the suspect, Landen Julian Ballard, who was arrested at his mother’s home in Fort Pierce.

During a press conference on April 29, Chief Smith stated that Ballard had previously visited another Cash Out Gold and Silver location in Vero Beach, where he was directed to the Fort Pierce store. Smith noted that nothing appeared to have been taken from the pawn shop during the incident, although a news report indicated Ballard was seen attempting to access the cash register on surveillance video. Ballard has prior charges for theft and burglary, according to police.

Ongoing Search for Second Individual

While Ballard has been charged, police are still working to identify and locate a second individual who was present in the store with Ballard at the time of the shooting. Although this person was in a different section of the store and police do not believe they were directly involved in the shooting, they are considered a person of interest. Police stated that there is no indication that Rodriguez Vega and the suspect knew each other.

The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and Chief Smith indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming.

The pawn shop, identified as Cash Out Gold and Silver at 4603 South U.S. Highway 1, was closed until further notice following the incident.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-462-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.