Family remembers Lehigh Acres teen as homicide investigation continues

Matthew St. Marc’s family is mourning the loss of the 15-year-old, who was found dead in a driveway on 22nd Street Southwest in Lehigh Acres, as authorities investigate his death as a homicide. “He was a great kid, becoming a great man,” said Matthew’s uncle, Matthew St. Marc. St. Marc described his reaction to the news. “When I got the call I was in shock,” he said. He recalled the moment he realized the location of the incident matched the address he had seen in an article. “When I looked at the article and saw the address, the location matched the location. That’s when I knew,” he said. Matthew’s family described him as a kind and loving person, both at home and in the community. “I think it’s beautiful to know that the little man that I knew is the little Matt that his friends know at school and people in the community,” said his aunt, Elizabeth Pough. His uncle shared a memory of Matthew’s determination and athleticism. “Last summer he sent a video of him doing one-handed pushups, and I can’t do that,” he said, laughing. “He definitely wanted to show out.” Matthew played football for the Riverdale Wildcats Pop Warner team, and the organization plans to retire his jersey number, 27, in his honor. “He was so excited,” said his sister. “I remember when he texted me, ‘Ranyah, I got on the team.’” Matthew’s uncle said the teenager had aspirations for his future. “Matthew wanted to be in the military when he turned 18,” he said. “After that, follow my footsteps to become a firefighter.” Reflecting on his last conversation with his nephew, St. Marc shared what he would say to him now. “If I could tell him anything, I would still tell him I’m proud of him,” he said. “I’m glad I got to tell him I love you after our last conversation. And I told him, just keep his head up and do what he got to do.” On Friday, the Lee County Sheriff's Office sent Gulf Coast News this statement regarding the homicide investigation: "At this time, we are not releasing the method of injury. "As detectives continue their investigation, they are conducting critical interviews. Releasing certain details publicly at this stage could influence those interviews, compromise the integrity of the investigative process, and ultimately have a negative impact on the case. "We understand the public's concern and recognize the media's interest in reporting new information, particularly after we've confirmed that this is a homicide investigation. However, our responsibility is to protect the integrity of the investigation and give detectives the best opportunity to thoroughly investigate the case. "For that reason, we are unable to provide certain information until it can be released without jeopardizing those efforts." DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.