Man with prior convictions accused of fatally shooting woman in North Fort Myers

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla.—The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of fatally shooting a woman on Delft Avenue.

Deputies responded to the scene on Wednesday evening, where, upon arrival, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were used on the woman; however, she succumbed to her injuries.

The sheriff’s office major crimes unit launched an investigation, where they determined that Joseph Delnegro, 49, was their lead suspect.

Delnegro, who is also a convicted felon in Colorado, does not have the legal right to possess a firearm, according to law enforcement. Further investigation found the weapon in his possession and used in the shooting was stolen. 

The sheriff’s office has not disclosed if Delnegro and the victim had any prior affiliation before the shooting occurred.

Delnegro was taken into custody and charged with the following: felony murder, grand theft of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted criminal. 

His criminal history includes multiple drug and burglary offenses, as well as a weapons offense in 2018.