Executive Summary
- Osceola County’s Cold Case Program, formed in 2024, resolved two homicide cases.
- The 2007 stabbing of De’Andre Nathaniel Wellnitz was closed without charges following a self-defense admission.
- Luis Eluvar Gonzalez was arrested and charged in the 2022 shooting death of Jommil Baez-Quinones.
- U.S. Marshals assisted in the apprehension of the suspect in the 2022 case.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office have successfully resolved two separate cold case homicide investigations, bringing closure to inquiries dating back to 2007 and 2022, respectively. The breakthroughs are attributed to the agency’s Cold Case Program, which was established in 2024 to apply fresh investigative resources to unsolved crimes.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the first resolved case involved the death of 17-year-old De’Andre Nathaniel Wellnitz, who was fatally stabbed during a house party in Kissimmee on June 24, 2007. Investigators revived the file in October 2024 and identified a person of interest by September 2025. Officials stated that the individual admitted to being present at the altercation and claimed self-defense. Following a comprehensive review by the State Attorney’s Office, no charges were filed in connection with Wellnitz’s death.
The second investigation focused on the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jommil Baez-Quinones, which occurred in Kissimmee on February 23, 2022. Detectives reopened the case in October 2024 after initial leads were exhausted. The investigation led to the identification of a suspect, Luis Eluvar Gonzalez. Authorities reported that Gonzalez was apprehended in May 2025 with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The State Attorney’s Office formally filed charges against Gonzalez in September 2025.
Sheriff’s Office officials noted that the State Attorney’s Office collaborated closely with the Cold Case Program team throughout the renewed inquiries to ensure strict legal compliance. A press conference featuring the Sheriff and the families of the victims is scheduled to outline further details regarding these resolutions and ongoing efforts in other dormant cases.
Investigative Outlook
The resolution of these cases highlights the operational impact of dedicated cold case units within law enforcement agencies. By allocating specific personnel to review dormant files, agencies can leverage advancements in forensic technology and changes in witness relationships over time. This development suggests a strategic shift in Osceola County toward reducing the backlog of unsolved homicides, signaling to the community that long-standing cases remain active priorities. It is important to note that all individuals, including Luis Eluvar Gonzalez, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
