February 8, 2024 – Punta Gorda, FL
This afternoon, Sheriff Prummell provided updates to the case involving a double homicide that occurred on January 24, 2024 on Trails End Dr. in Punta Gorda, FL.
Sheriff Prummell kicked off this live press conference by thanking the public for trusting him and the agency despite very little information being released. He emphasized the reasoning for CCSO being “tight-lipped”, explaining that the case was developing quickly and there was concern that the parties involved would discover that detectives were on their trail. In order to protect the investigation, details were not provided to the public or the media for most of the investigation. Sheriff Prummell also stated that, if there were any potential danger to the public at any time along the way, that would have been shared in order to keep them safe.
The Sheriff provided a brief overview of the facts of the case, noting that the agency received a 911 call on January 24 from a worker in the area who said they had heard gunshots. When deputies arrived, they located two deceased males inside the home, Mario Schiano (5/25/1976) and Anthony Galeotti (8/18/1979), who had been shot. This spawned an investigation that included interviews, collection of evidence, and a search of the residence and property, a 10-acre lot with lakes. He explained that this is why numerous units, to include Aviation, Marine, K9, and others, were called to the scene during the 10 days it was held. Furthermore, Sheriff Prummell shared that detectives followed numerous leads, including some that took them beyond state lines.
As the investigation unfolded, probable cause was developed to place Kelly Schiano (7/13/1982), who is Mario’s wife, and Everett Harper (6/28/1986) under arrest. The Sheriff clarified that these two individuals are close friends, and both are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder. Evidence suggests that the motive for this conspiracy was based around drugs and money. When asked if there were others involved, the Sheriff said that if there are, everyone could agree that they need to be caught, and therefore he could not comment any further.
Sheriff Prummell wrapped up the press conference with a reminder that anyone with information on this or any case are asked to call the CCSO non-emergency number (941) 639-2101 or Crime Stoppers (800) 780-TIPS. He concluded by stating that the way we keep our community safe is by working together.
Sheriff Prummell and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office again want to thank our community for their patience and trust as this investigation proceeded.
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