Alleged gunman was friend of victim in Edgewood's first homicide in 16 years, mother says

EDGEWATER, Fla. — When Edgewood police and Orange County deputies responded to Martinez Drive on April 18, they found something the city hadn’t seen in many years.

Avery Wheeler, 22, had been shot to death at a residence in Edgewood, making him the first homicide victim in the city in 16 years.

The man accused of pulling the trigger, Zachary Munroe-Waters, 20, was a friend and had visited his home, Wheeler’s mother told Channel 9 Friday.

Individuals at an address listed for Munroe-Waters refused to comment on the story.

Investigators said another man, Allex Cuentas, was involved in the death and allegedly set up Wheeler to be robbed by Munroe-Waters.

When Wheeler fought back, the gunman shot him, grabbed his cash and ran, police said.

Cuentas, who investigators said initially pretended to be a victim of the shooting, was arrested the same day on a charge of second-degree murder.

Munroe-Waters was arrested May 16 on a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm.

Cox Media Group