Florida man illegally sold gun to suspect who used it to kill 17-year-old, deputies say

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was arrested Tuesday after detectives said they learned he knowingly sold a gun to a suspect who used the weapon in the killing of a 17-year-old boy.

Anthony Steven Romero, 17, died on July 5 in Port Charlotte following a shootout with another teen who Charlotte County deputies identified as 19-year-old Michael Balunas.

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Detectives said there had been a long-standing “beef” between the two teens, which turned deadly when they got their hands on guns. Balunas, who suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, was charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a Florida delinquent adult.

However, the investigation didn’t stop there. Charlotte County deputies said they continued working to determine how Balunas came into possession of a firearm. According to officials, Balunas was already on probation and prohibited from having a gun…

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