A Lehigh Acres man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing his brother outside a Mexican restaurant on New Year’s Day 2025.
Steve Iglesia, 27, pleaded no contest on charges of second-degree murder with a firearm and battery for the shooting death of his 24-year-old brother Christopher Iglesia.
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of Casa Blanca Modern Mexican Tequila Bar in Fort Myers at around 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day 2025.
Law enforcement officers found the victim dead on the ground with gunshot wounds, a police report states.
The killer and victim were at the Mexican restaurant with family and friends when a verbal altercation ensued between the brothers, deputies said.
They both walked out of the restaurant to the parking lot where the argument continued. They began shoving each other when Steve Iglesia pulled out his gun.
An uncle — who witnessed the murder — had been hanging out with them at the restaurant and witnessed Christopher then ask his brother “what, are you going to shoot me in the head?” court documents state.
The victim shoved Steve Iglesia and in response, Steve shot him in the head. Steve Iglesia immediately threw the gun in the bushes and ran toward the brother in attempt to help him.
Security camera footage from Rusty’s Bar and Grill — next to Casa Blanca — shows the moments leading to the shooting, including the physical fighting and Steve Iglesia pulling the handgun from his waistband, shooting Christopher and Christopher falling backward.
Then, Steve began searching for the gun and said he should shoot himself. A witness told authorities that he tried to stop Steve, which prompted a fight between them. Steve punched the witness in the face and knocked him out, the court documents state.
Deputies arrived as the witness regained consciousness. Steve Iglesia was on his knees and with his hands already above his head, told the deputies that he shot his brother.
Steve Iglesia remained in custody without bond since the shooting happened.
Tayeba Hussein is a breaking news reporter for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach her at thussein@usatodayco.com.
Please support Southwest Florida community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lehigh Acres man to spend 25 years in prison for killing brother
Reporting by Tayeba Hussein, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tayeba Hussein, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
