Lanessa Rodriguez, 35, was remembered by friends as a generous entrepreneur.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A second person has been arrested after the fatal shooting of Lanessa Rodriguez, a 35-year-old woman killed inside a Fort Pierce gold shop on April 28, police said.
The latest arrest adds another step in a homicide investigation that began after officers found Rodriguez dead at Cash Out Gold and Silver on U.S. Highway 1. Landen Ballard, 20, was arrested earlier on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Police later arrested Tylen Jerome Ryan, 22, of Vero Beach, on a charge of tampering with evidence.
Fort Pierce police said Ballard went into the store, displayed a gun and shot Rodriguez several times. Investigators said he then tried to open the cash register before leaving. Officers were called to the business after another worker could not reach Rodriguez and went to check on her.
The killing has left Rodriguez’s friends grieving a woman they said was focused on work, family and growth. Her best friend, Nayomy Nomelin, said Rodriguez had recently expanded her business efforts beyond Fort Pierce. “She was extremely hardworking,” Nomelin said. “She had just opened up a second business in Vero.”
Investigators said surveillance video and court records are part of the case. Police said the investigation remained active after Ballard’s arrest and that detectives continued following leads connected to the shooting and what happened afterward.
Nomelin said the loss still feels unreal. She said certain songs bring Rodriguez back to mind and described the grief as feeling like “the floor is just pulled out from under you.” Friends said Rodriguez was proud, secure, generous and unforgettable.
Rodriguez’s loved ones gathered for a private vigil Thursday to remember her life. Police have not announced that the investigation is closed, and court proceedings for the arrested men are expected to move forward.
Author note: Last updated May 8, 2026.