Today (Aug 9) Luis LOPEZ RUIZ (33) entered a plea to Second Degree Felony Murder (FI PBL) and Burglary to an Occupied Structure (F2F) for his role in a failed Oviedo home burglary.

On June 11, 2018, LOPEZ RUIZ, along with Karl MAKAROWSKI RODRIGUEZ (24) and Daniel VALENTIN (33 Deceased) drove to a home on Westbourne Drive. MAKAROWSKI RODRIGUEZ and VALENTIN broke in to the home, while LOPEZ RUIZ waited in the car.

During the crime, VALENTIN was confronted by the homeowner and shot. He and MAKAROWSKI RODRIGUEZ then fled, with LOPEZ RUIZ driving the getaway car. Soon after,VALENTIN was found behind a gas station in the 4600 block of North Alafaya Trail, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital but later died from his injuries. As a result, both defendants were charged with murder in VALENTIN's death.

Judge Marlene Alva adjudicated LOPEZ RUIZ guilty on both counts, and in an agreed upon downward departure, sentenced him to ten (10) years in prison for each (served concurrently), followed by ten (10) years of supervised probation. LOPEZ RUIZ was held without bond and will be transfered to the Florida Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.

On April 22, 2019 MAKAROWSKI RODRIGUEZ pled guilty to 2nd Degree Felony Murder and Burglary, and is currently serving 10 years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation.

Todd Brown
Public Information &
Communications
(321) 617-7310

Office of the State Attorney
18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson
Way Building D
Viera, Fl. 32940