Mario Vernon Family Alleges Cover-Up, Harassment by Police

Mario Vernon’s family says they will not let up. They believe that there is a cover-up surrounding the death of the twenty-four-year-old Punta Gorda resident and grandson of the iconic Leela Vernon. Vernon’s aunt gave an interview to our colleagues at PGTV and she says that they have even sent letters to the Prime Minister’s office because the fatal incident happened more than a month ago and they want answers. The P.G. family says that police are not doing what they are supposed to. Vernon was killed on January thirteenth; police officer Tevin Aranada was subsequently charged with manslaughter. Since then amateur video footage surfaced from a purported eye witness to the deadly shooting. This is what Vincent Nunez had to say:

Vincent Nunez

Vincent Nunez, Aunt of Mario Vernon

“We sent a letter to Minister Elrington, one to the Prime Minister and one to Mr. Aragon. And we wrote a letter to Clement Cacho, the OC here in PG, because this thing happened under his nose and he should have some answers. But the only answer that we have gotten from him so far is silence. I just think this is all a part of a cover up and this [bleep] needs to stop.”

Reporter

“So what is the next step from here? What will the family do?”

Mario Vernon

Vincent Nunez

“Well, we are trying to be patient. We have our lawyer. But as I said, our letters, we will release it to the media and we will just let the whole country knows what is not happening and should be happening. Justice needs to be served.  What has happened is that the PG police are intimidating and harassing witnesses. I think the dragging of the feet of the Justice Department goes right along with that. So, think they are trying to pace this thing out to see if we’re gonna give up, but we will not give up. Mario’s life was a life. Yes, he was not perfect but he was a human being and all human beings have a right to life.”

Tevin Aranda received bail of ten thousand dollars.