The State Attorney’s Office has ruled that a Bradenton homeowner was legally justified in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Nicholas Palomo on New Year’s Eve. Palomo, a career criminal with a history of kidnapping, was killed after stalking a woman to her home and aggressively confronting her husband while he was on the phone with 911 dispatchers.
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BRADENTON, FL (2-minute read) — What began as a quiet New Year’s Eve celebration in the Mill Creek neighborhood of Bradenton quickly descended into a life-threatening ordeal, ending in a fatal act of self-defense. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a local homeowner will not face charges after shooting and killing Nicholas Palomo, 36, who had allegedly stalked the homeowner’s wife as she walked her dog earlier that night.
The woman reported that she noticed Palomo following her and filming her with his phone as she frantically tried to return to her residence. Once she reached the safety of her home and alerted her husband, Palomo did not flee; instead, he parked his vehicle outside and exhibited increasingly threatening behavior. While the husband was actively speaking with 911 dispatchers, Palomo reportedly stripped off his shirt, sat on his car, and eventually charged toward the homeowner, leading to the fatal shot.
The Critical Role of Victim Safety and Criminal History
Authorities have categorized this incident as a random act of violence, a determination that has left the normally peaceful Mill Creek community deeply unsettled. “He had spent time in prison for kidnapping and spent most of his life behind bars,” stated Randy Warren, spokesperson for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting Palomo’s extensive violent criminal history which included false imprisonment, burglary with a deadly weapon, and grand theft auto.
This case serves as a textbook example of how a history of violent behavior can escalate into a deadly confrontation with a law-abiding citizen. The State Attorney’s Office review of the evidence, including the 911 recording, determined that the homeowner had a reasonable fear for his life and the life of his wife, justifying the use of lethal force under Florida’s self-defense statutes.
Safety Tip: If you believe you are being followed while walking, do not lead the stalker directly to your front door if you can avoid it. If possible, head toward a well-lit public area or a neighbor’s house where people are visible. However, if you are forced to retreat to your home, lock all doors immediately and have a plan in place with other household members. Being prepared to communicate with 911 while maintaining a defensive position is essential for ensuring both your physical safety and your legal standing in the aftermath of an encounter.