PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - The suspect in the murder of an 18-year-old 7-Eleven clerk in Punta Gorda in 2015 has been sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder.
Michael Russo as received 25 to 30 years on first degree arson charges. All to be served consecutively.
According to the State Attorney's Office, in the early morning hours of November 1st, 2015, Russo entered the store at Bal Harbor Boulevard and Aqui Esta Drive. He had gloves on and his head covered so he could not be immediately identified. He was carrying a gasoline can in one hand and a firearm in the other.
When the 18-year-old store clerk, Kyle Farishian, came in contact with him, Russo shot him. After he fell to the ground, Russo shot him again. Russo then poured gasoline from the can he was carrying over the victim and the counter.
He tried unsuccessfully two times to set it ablaze and the third time he did. more of the story...
