2 suspects identified in Lehigh Acres shooting that injured 4 at July house party

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. (WINK) — The Lee County Sheriff's Office identified two suspects in a July 10 shooting that injured four people near Willard Avenue and W. 9th Street.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno identified the suspects as Desmond Garlin, 18, and Jared Williams, 20. The shooting happened during a crowded house party, according to Marceno.

Marceno said there was a "beef" between people at the gathering. A suspect vehicle pulled up and shots were fired in multiple directions as people ran, he said.

Four people were struck by gunfire. All four survived, according to LCSO.

The Violent Crimes Unit spent hundreds of hours investigating the case, LCSO said. Investigators used technology, including license-plate readers, to help identify the suspects and build the case, according to the sheriff's office.

Marceno said Garlin and Williams have more than 40 prior bookings combined. Much of that history came from when they were teenagers, he said.

Marceno did not specify the alleged role of each suspect. He did not say who investigators believe fired shots or drove the vehicle.

Both Garlin and Williams face attempted murder charges.

The investigation remains open and active. LCSO said it continues looking at whether anyone else was involved.

WINK News previously obtained exclusive surveillance video showing people leaving the area before gunfire erupts and an injured person running into a nearby driveway.

Marceno also defended license-plate reader technology amid privacy concerns. He said this case demonstrates why LCSO believes the technology is important for identifying violent-crime suspects.