Accused Killer, Karon Council, Captured in Florida

Karon Council is the suspected shooter of Yovanni Banos-Merino, 10, of Asbury Park

The suspected shooter of 10 year old Yovanni Banos-Merino has been captured in Florida, according to law enforcement sources.

Karon Council, 18, of Neptune Township was apprehended in Pompano Beach, Florida this evening after eluding arrest since the murder of Merino and wounding his mother, Lilia Merino, 38, on Wednesday night, February 21.

The Neptune Township 18 year old was charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose on Friday, February 23. His alleged accomplice, Jahdel Birch, 16 of Neptune Township, was arrested at Neptune High School on Thursday the 22.

Asbury Park police responded to a 911 call around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, reporting shots fired at a home in the 400 block of Ridge Avenue in the city. Police arrived to find Yovanni Banos-Merino, 10, and his mother, Lilia Merino, 38, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township. Yovanni was pronounced deceased at 11:18 p.m. while Lilia was treated and released for her injuries.