LaBelle man charged with homicide after deadly altercation in Mira Verde

PORT LABELLE, Fla. (WINK) — A man was arrested and charged with homicide after a deadly altercation in the Mira Verde community Monday night.

Hendry County deputies responded to the home of 28-year-old Andres Esau Lopez Callejas at approximately 7:45 p.m. on May 18, 2026. When deputies arrived, they found 27-year-old Jose A. Cruz standing outside the apartment.

Cruz immediately surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody without incident. Upon entering the residence, deputies found Callejas lying on the floor unresponsive.

Deputies determined that both men became involved in a verbal altercation that later resulted in Callejas' death. After obtaining a search warrant, Hendry County detectives, along with road patrol deputies, conducted a thorough search of the residence.

Investigators confiscated a firearm that was later determined to belong to Cruz. Cruz was charged with homicide and is being held with no bond.