MULBERRY, FL – In the early hours of Wednesday, a dispute between rival gang members turned deadly, culminating in a shooting that claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, which began with a gunfight on Leavens Road.
The confrontation unfolded at a Willow Oak residence, identified by investigators as the origin of the violence. Joshua Clark and Jose Coronado, members of opposing gangs, engaged in a shootout that left Coronado’s girlfriend, Mary Dino, fatally wounded.
Coronado’s desperate attempt to save Dino involved moving her to Rhiles Road, where she ultimately died from her injuries. Witnesses reported that Coronado left her on the tailgate of a truck, instructing others to call emergency services and take her to a hospital before he fled, claiming he had urgent matters to attend to.
Sheriff Grady Judd voiced his concerns about the misconception of drug-related crimes being nonviolent, highlighting the severe consequences of such conflicts. Coronado, already wanted in Hillsborough County for meth trafficking charges, is now a key figure in this unfolding investigation.
Law enforcement tracked Coronado’s vehicle approximately 20 miles away on Highway 17 near Fort Meade. A precision immobilization tactic was used to bring his vehicle to a stop. Meanwhile, Joshua Clark remains elusive, with authorities intensifying their efforts to locate him.
The incident has left the Mulberry community reeling from the violence and loss, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of gang-related crime. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to Clark’s capture.
As detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gang violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling such issues.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the sheriff’s office committed to holding those accountable for the young woman’s death and ensuring justice is served.