Deputies say an argument escalated into gunfire, leaving one worker dead and two others injured.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL — Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man accused of killing one person and injuring two others during a shooting at a construction site in the SilverLeaf area earlier this week, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the suspect, Yovany Lopez Cobo, faces one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder following the shooting that erupted during a dispute among workers Wednesday afternoon. The incident marked the county’s first criminal homicide in more than a year and drew a major response from deputies and emergency crews.
Deputies were called shortly after midday to a construction site in the fast-growing SilverLeaf community in north St. Johns County after multiple reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found three men suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders began emergency medical treatment while investigators secured the scene and interviewed witnesses who had been working nearby.
One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Two others were taken to area hospitals with gunshot injuries. Authorities said those victims survived but required treatment for their wounds. Their conditions have not been publicly detailed, though officials described the injuries as serious.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick said during a briefing that the violence stemmed from an argument among people who were working at the site. Investigators believe the confrontation escalated quickly before the suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds. Workers at the site reported hearing the gunshots and immediately calling 911.
“This appears to have started as a dispute between individuals who knew each other,” Hardwick said, adding that detectives do not believe the attack was random. Deputies said the suspect remained at the location after the shooting and was taken into custody without further violence.
The SilverLeaf community, where the shooting happened, has seen rapid residential development in recent years with numerous construction projects underway. The area includes housing developments, commercial construction sites and newly built neighborhoods that continue to expand across northern St. Johns County.
Investigators spent hours processing the scene after the shooting. Yellow crime scene tape surrounded parts of the construction area while deputies photographed evidence, collected shell casings and spoke with workers who may have witnessed the confrontation. Law enforcement vehicles remained at the site through much of the afternoon.
Officials said detectives are still working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the gunfire. Investigators are reviewing witness statements and physical evidence as they piece together the moments before the shooting occurred. Authorities have not publicly identified the victims while they continue notifying family members.
The case drew significant attention because homicides are relatively rare in St. Johns County compared with neighboring urban areas. Sheriff Hardwick said during the briefing that the county had gone more than a year without a criminal homicide before the incident occurred.
“It’s something we never want to see in our community,” Hardwick said. “Our detectives will work tirelessly to make sure every detail of this case is fully investigated.”
Court records show Lopez Cobo was booked into the St. Johns County jail following his arrest. The charges include second-degree murder in the death of one victim and two counts of attempted second-degree murder tied to the other people who were shot. Additional details about the suspect’s background have not been publicly released by investigators.
Under Florida law, a second-degree murder charge alleges a killing carried out with a depraved mind without regard for human life but without premeditation. Attempted second-degree murder charges apply when prosecutors believe a person tried to commit that offense but the victims survived.
Legal proceedings in the case are expected to begin in the coming days as prosecutors review evidence and prepare the formal court process. The suspect will face an initial court appearance where a judge will address bail conditions and outline the next steps in the criminal case.
Meanwhile, investigators continue speaking with witnesses and reviewing evidence gathered from the scene. Detectives say the investigation remains active as they confirm details about the dispute and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The construction site where the shooting happened was quiet the following day as workers and nearby residents processed what had occurred. Some construction activity paused as authorities completed their investigation of the scene and removed evidence markers.
For many in the surrounding community, the incident was an unexpected act of violence in a rapidly growing suburban area known more for new housing developments than violent crime. Officials said the investigation will continue as they work to ensure all details of the incident are documented.
Authorities said additional updates could come as the case moves through the court system and detectives finalize their findings. The sheriff’s office has not announced a specific date for the suspect’s next court appearance.
The investigation remained ongoing Friday as deputies continued reviewing evidence tied to the deadly shooting.
Author note: Last updated March 7, 2026.