Sarasota family seeks justice three years after son's death
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SARASOTA Fla. (SNN) — Three years after their son was shot and killed in what authorities ruled a self-defense case, the family of Steven Paul Colon is still demanding justice.

Dozens gathered on Cattleman Road this week, holding signs that read, “We are Steven’s voice,” and “Justice delayed is justice denied.” Their chants — “Justice for Steven Paul” — rang out as family and friends protested what they described as a lack of accountability.

“As soon as I stepped over here and saw these signs, I couldn’t believe this is real life,” said Juliet Colon, Steven’s sister. “I can’t believe he is gone… it is really scary.”

The shooting happened in September 2022. According to a police report, Colon was walking in his Osprey neighborhood when he got into a confrontation with a man who was walking his dog. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, and the man shot Colon in the chest.

He was 22 years old.

“My son was a brilliant kid. He had a bright future,” said Paola Colon, Steven’s mother. “This is not fair. His life was taken from him and there has been nothing done to protect him.”

A tattoo tribute to Steven Paul Colon, featuring the number 717, symbolizing the time of his death. His sister, Juliet Colon, along with her other sister and mother, each have a matching tattoo to honor him.

The shooter claimed self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office agreed with that assessment, and no charges were ever filed.

Now, three years later, the Colon family said they’ve gathered new evidence — and they want the case reopened.

SNN reached out to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. In a statement, they said:

“We have been provided information by the Colon family, and we are currently reviewing the documents.”

The family hopes that with a renewed investigation, the circumstances surrounding Steven’s death will be reconsidered and that justice will finally be served.

“I am fearful every day of my life that the killer is still out there,” said Juliet Colon. “I have anxiety every night, every day.”

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