ST AUGUSTINE, FL – March 2, 2011 – At 6:30pm on Wednesday, two repo men were shot while in the 1000 block of state road 16 during a repossession attempt of a red Ford Ranger. Arriving St. Johns County Deputies found one man with gunshot wounds to the stomach in the tow truck with a vehicle in tow less than a quarter mile from the residence near the median and another man lying dead in the driveway. The surviving repossessor was flown to Shands Jacksonville hospital.
“I didn’t even know what was going on when I got here, but a guy came out of the truck, hunkered over bleeding from the abdomen,” reported one of the deputies who first arrived at the scene.
Investigators had to bring a Tagalog translator as the Filipino shooter 51 year old Jesse Ramirez did not speak English however, Chuck Mulligan with the Sheriff’s Office reported, “The male subject looked out his window and saw two subjects around his vehicle in the driveway, he exited the residence with a firearm in his hand and fired multiple rounds at the two men who we now know where there to repossess the vehicle.”
The shooter sat handcuffed in the back of a patrol car as neighbors milled about behind the crime scene tape. Investigators have refrained from identifying the victims or the company the victims worked for.
Ramirez has been arrested and is charged with pre-meditated homicide and attempted homicide. Mulligan says the repo men did not appear to have threatened the suspect before the shooting.
6:20am PST – CUCollector has just been notified that the second victim has passed away. We will provide details as they emerge.
6:28am PST – Details are sketchy but a victim has been identified as a Will Rivera of Jacksonville, Florida. Another by the name of “Bennit”
7:05am PST – Reportedly, the name of the repo company the men worked for is “Atco Bennett” of Jacksonville, FL
7:47am PST –
Both victims have been identified, Wilfred Rivera, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene and Delbert Charles Power Jr., 31, was taken to the hospital. Confirmation of death is still pending. Rivera is survived by a wife, a daughter and a two year old grand son.
Jesse Ramirez, 51, on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. After an appearance before a judge Thursday morning, Ramirez was held without bond. It was believed that Ramirez did not speak English, but investigators later said they were able to interview him and he spoke English to the judge in court Thursday.
7:55am PST – The attached message was sent to Ed Marcum of RSIG and the Recovery Agents Benefit Fun (RABF) and was sent by Jeanne Bennett of Atco Bennett and is shared with their permission:
1:39 pm PST – It has been reported by news4 Jacksonville that Delbert Charles Power Jr., 31 the second man shot and airlifted to the hospital, is reported to be in fair and stable condition.
- The Killer Joked with them Before the Shooting
- In Memory of a Fallen Repossessor
- Murder Trial Date Set
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[...] Two FLA Repo Men Shot, One Dead, One Critically Wounded …Mar 2, 2011 … Fmr Repo Agent says: March 3, 2011 at 5:42 pm. This is murder, plain and simple . Debtor’s know when they’re behind and the consequences if … [...]
not that long a go 20year ago or so your starting out wth jenny me work for jack crossing path in the night .out picking up car ,see you on the
The first comment is just piss poor. They can help you it’s just too much paperwork, are you seriously that dumb. Paperwork has nothing to do with not paying your bills. There are rules and or laws put in place to protect both people in this situation, the resident as well as repo personnel. Lets think of who is in the wrong here…the person doing their job by retrieving a vehicle that was not payed for or the resident.
Nothing else needs to be said.
Mo
its to bad this happened but this is the job we have but the law should step in to help these repo men and woman out there dealing with these people they say its civel but thats bull they can help but its to much paperwork for them when you call they say there nothing they could do for you well i think the so called laws should be changed and they should be able to help these repo men and if anything just standby this is what we call serve and pertect how is that.and i know if i saw one of those officers in need of help i would jump out of my truck and help even though im not law enforcment well i hope the idits that make these laws will maybe change there mind and let police officers do there job and help us so this may not happen again to someone just trying to do there job
Our prayers go to the families.
Our hearts/thoughts/prayers go out to the families affected by this horrific tragedy.
My heart goes out to Crystal, Willie’s daughter and Family and those who new him he was a good soul and he will be missed. I met Willie back in High School and lost contact 1985 and to hear this news really saddened me and brought back memories of him, my love,prayers and memories are with you Willie and partner.
12 years in the recovery industry and fortunately this has never happened to me, but I did hear about a similar incident early 2000 in Plantation, FL, where a neighbor saw a repoman taking a car and opened fire. My heart goes out, as a recovery agent myself I know all too well these dangers, which is why after these 12 years I’m opting out of repossessions and going back to school to become a doctor. I’ve seen it all, repoed it all, and heard all the stories. As people get more and more desperate, these incidents will happen more and more, not to mention here in Florida we take a beating for prices barely making over 325. I wish everyone luck and pray for those repomen and their families.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families. I hope this guy goes away for a long long time
Jordan Matulich
Tracker Auto Recovery
RA 1352
Will’s murder and the extreme multiple shooting of Delbert, shows the true route our country has taken. When Political Correctness has came to the point where it is causing way more harm than good…it is time to stop it and start using common sense again.
My first question is WHY is this person even IN THIS COUNTRY??? Why was he allowed to be here? Why was he allowed to finance a car here? What possible value was/is he to our country as a society?
People who are “vested” in this country take more pride and care in their lives and actions and the lives of their fellow man. Things of this nature did not take place in the 50′s, the 60′s or even as recent as the early 80′s. But as the Political Correctness took hold in the late 80′s and early 90′s, and the American borders were pushed out to encompass the whole world, we, as a country, have boiled over into the toilet.
One such PC here in Florida is where the “administrative law” within our licensing division clearly states that we CANNOT arm ourselves while conducting a repossession. The Lenders, the Insurance Industry and our own State Legislators stand in unison on this. So where are they today now that Will is being laid to rest and Delbert is permanently injured?
No one can foretell the outcome of this incident if the tables had been on a level field where either Will or Delbert would have had the opportunity to defend themselves against this foreign psychopath. But the odds of death and severe injury would have been drastically reduced if either or both of these Agents would have been allowed this right to protect and defend themselves.
Here in Florida any convenience store owner can have a gun behind his counter, as can a pawn shop owner, a jewelry store owner, security guards and even real estate agents are allowed to carry a firearm. These are ALL State regulated industries and “potentially dangerous” occupations. Then why in the world would a State disallow us to have that same right when our profession FAR OUTWEIGHS the dangerous potential of any of those examples?
It is time that the Florida State Division of Licensing and its “compliance” laws and legal dept.BS be held accountable. They take our money, they regulate our actions and they only enforce “compliance” issues against us to basically tax (or in their words..penalty fine) us for accidental mistakes or minor infractions. They DO NOT take action against those out here that are blatantly conducting repossessions unlicensed and way out of compliance! Why? Because they have NO recourse on these people…they can’t fine or take a license away from someone that doesn’t even have one!
We should all suggest that the families of both Will and Delbert, as well as all other families of FL. licensed Recovery Agents of the past, that have been assaulted, murdered, shot or injured by being forced to not be able to defend themselves thru these BS laws set in place by the Division of Licensing legal dept. bring a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit against them (both state and division wide and naming each individual responsible for writing and implementing those laws) for this blatant disregard for those of us that have pursued our careers as a “State Licensed” Recovery Agent in the State of Florida.
By financially forcing them into being accountable may then and only then demand that they hear the cries of those who have died, those who family now grieves and holds loss and those of us that are headed that way since they so easily have placed a “Political Correctness” indefensible target on our backs!
Rest in Peace Will….you will be missed by those who knew you. You have NOT given your life in vain.
It is time Florida Agents and Agency Owners…it is time to take back our profession. Do it for yourself, do it for what’s right….do it for Will….
Truly a sad situation and my prayers and condolences go out to the families of the fallen. That was murder plain and simple and I hope he fries for it. I had the pleasure of working with Atco Bennett on several occasions and really enjoyed the high standard of professionalism they showed.
I think this industry is headed down a very very dark road due to all the different companies involved with repossessions now that have nothing at risk and no liability but everything to gain. Those types of companies have absolutely no clue what it’s REALLY like on the streets and have no interest in finding out … they just don’t care .. they see recovery agents as a way to make a paycheck and nothing else.
Also shows like “Operation Repo” and the like are giving the general public the idea that what they see depicted in those idiotic shows is how repossessions are actually handled and that it’s OK to come out with a gun or baseball bat and get into a physical confrontation with agents. The families of any fallen agent should sue the shit out of the producers of those stupid shows and maybe they would pull them off the air.
Sorry for the rant but every time I here of a recovery agent being injured or killed on the job I think of those stupid programs.
I know of no words that can fully convey the depth of pain in these men’s families and friend’s hearts. Nor do I know of any that can remove the emptiness that the families feel today. Will was a loving and caring family man that will be missed in the community. I understand he and his wife are raising a two year old grandchild and also are parents of two children.
I do not know the other gentleman but our hearts and prayers are extended to his family as well. The word today was very positive about his chances to survive this horrible tragedy.
We will be raising money this weekend to help these families in any way we can. I do not know of a direct fund but do agree with Todd that the RABF is a valuable entity to help the members of the recovery industry family in their hour of need. The ARA will continue to contribute to this worthy cause so that the families of fallen agents, no matter their affiliation, will know that this industry cares.
This is murder, plain and simple. Debtor’s know when they’re behind and the consequences if they don’t pay their car note!!! My heart goes out to the family of these men, as I have experienced this same tragedy in 1994 when John Peters was murdered by a debtor shooting from inside his home through a window. God Bless
Jeanne,
We were so sorry and saddened to hear about this. Our heart and prayers go out to you and Will and his partners families. God Bless and lookover all of us who work in this difficult and dangerous industry. Please let us know how we can help…
Art Christensen
This is absolutely sickening to see something like this. What is this world coming to? Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims. This industry is heading for extinction if things like this keep happening. Unfortunately, the Country does not see this as a tragedy for the two victims, but instead another reason why repossessions should not be allowed. Be safe everybody!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our fallen brothers. Absolutely terrible situation.
Todd Stiger
TWI of South Florida Inc
R9000010
His name is Will Rivera and he owned Atco Bennett, no fund that I know of. We are family friends so when I find out I will update. Thx
Again…mea culpa…I sincerley apologize if you or anyone else was offended by my words…they were not meant in to be taken in a rant context. I am just so distressed when I read or hear of things like this occuring on a daily basis. I respect the men and women who daily place their lives in danger. I am dreadfully sorry for the families of all parties involved in this terrible occurance and my condolences go out to them. We can establish funds, we can donate money to help these families and I will stand in the forefront for such action…but we, the industry must also think of tomorrow and of what we can do to see this does not occur again…I am sick of people, both recovery agents and consumers, being injured and killed for a piece of metal. Your forum has helped our industry tremendously and I commend your efforts.
The RABF ( Repossession Agent Benefit Fund) has been set up to help families http://www.repossessionagentsbenefitsfund.org.
The American Recovery Association Board of Directors is meeting in Dallas at this tragic time. We have prayed for the families of both men and stand behind them as members of our family at ARA.
I believe they are also Members of other Associations. We give our love, compassion, and prayers for these families. We will also be raising funds for the RABF.
May God bless these families and bless our Industry that this won’t happen to others.
R. Todd Abelhouzen
Intermountain Research & Recovery Inc.
ARA Board Member
Ron – Your thoughts, opinions and intellect are always appreciated and respected as they pertain to the issues. I’ve found you are a great writer in your articles and clearly a very intelligent man. The offense I found was only in the lack of reverence to the fallen and their families. It reminded me of t nasty anti bank and repossesor rants you find in the newspaper story blogs. There is plenty of time to hack it out on the other issues. This story is not one.
Ron,
No one here is saying that you don’t have the right to speak your mind. What they are saying is that your nonsensical inane thoughts are in the wrong forum.
I have no selfish thoughts…I speak the truth and I guess the truth sometimes hurts. I speak for the men and women who have lost their businesses, their livlihoods and in many cases their lives, I speak for the families who will never see their love ones again because they were forced to take risks just to put food on the table. I fear where our industry is going, there comes a time in each of our lives when we must speak up for the principles we profess to belive in. There is never a time for cowardice or shirking responsibilities, there is never a time for lamenting the wrongs and not addressing the rights. I am sorry if you are offended…I do not rant, I only speak my mind.
HAS ANYONE SET UP ANY SORT OF FUND????…….THE FAMILIES NEED OUR SUPPORT NO MATTER WHAT WE BELIEVE OR THINK……..AND AM SORRY FOR WHAT I POSTED……..PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED IF ANY FUNDS/MEMORIALS HAVE BEEN SET UP…….ANDY HOOPER
OOPS I meant Kevin, your right kevin…
Thanks Ron…
Ron – Two men are dead! This is no time for a political association bashing rant. Think what you want of whatever association, that’s your right but there is a time and place for it and it is not now. Shame on you for taking such a dark moment for your own selfish thoughts.
Kevin
This type of news is now becoming commonplacein our industry and you must ask yourself, “WHY?”. We can blame the lenders who attend association conventions at the agents expense, eat our food, drink our drinks, shake our hands and smile and then stand on our stage to tell us we will have to work for less if we want their business…and if we will not accept their terms they can find someone who will. We can blame the forwarders who gather up the majority of the nations recovery business and then dole it out to the agencies who agree to work for reduced fees, free storage and free keys…but…where does the blame really fall?
I would suggest we all take a look in the mirror and see if that person is one who has agreed to sub level wages or one who has said an emphatic “NO”. I am proud to say I do not work for less than I feel I am worth. Yes…I have lost clients to agencies who work for less, I have lost clients who have gone to forwarders to service their accounts, yes I have lost clients to agencies who give away storage, skiptracing and key charges. But I am still in business, I have not and will not compromise my values. ARA has gone slumming with their NARS convention and their offer of a $1500.00 membership, why? They have lost key cities, key members and income so now in desperation they will allow the scabs with $1500.00 in habd to attend their NARS meeting and join up…it’s all about money. Put the blame where the blame belongs …on associations who choose to support and partner with the groups who have driven our fees down…ARA shame on you!
My father is a repo man and every night I pray he is safe. It is sick and sad how people are today. My dad was friends with Will Rivera the man who was killed. Where is the heart and compassion in people. Over a vehicle, please everyone keep Will’s family in your prayers as well as every other person in this industry.
This is just getting insane. Thank you Kevin for providing this forum so that we can put all these pieces together. And to think many of us that have been forced to face these risks are doing so for less than a public tow truck will tow a stranded motorist from the side of the road for. I will say this. I will not support any association that affiliates itself in any way with any forwarder or vendor that is aiding in driving down the compensation for the services that we provide. You are suppose to represent that repo man in the field to aid him in being able to make a reasonable living in this business. That should be who you focus on before the company owners, lenders, or anyone else. You are repossessor associations. In case you have forgotten he is the guy that actually goes out and picks up the car. You are failing miserably.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these fallen brothers and I pray that the survivor is able to recover from his wounds. What is just as sad is that these guys were victims at the hands of their own industry before they were victims to this idiot with a gun.
WOW…A debtor killed in California, an adjuster killed in Florida. This is our world in the industry today.
Lenders and forwarders please take a hard look at our world. It is tough scary and expensive. We face this everyday and often get treated like our service is no big deal. Ask yourself, would you risk your ass or your financial future for $275.00 contingent? Forwarders do you carry $7,000,000 worth of insurance? We do! Want to discount lpr hits to $250.00. Think about it,now we dont even know which direction the friendly debtor coming. Sounds like a bit of a risk for $250.00 dosent it? Keep beating us down on your prices, run us ragged on worthless contingent assignments. This is probably only the beginning.
Thanks for reading this. Scott Patterson
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