Paul Maraio Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Port St. Lucie have confirmed that a 62-year-old man accused of taking the lives of two people earlier this week has passed away after sustaining a self-inflicted injury during a standoff with law enforcement.
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the suspect, identified as Paul Maraio, died on Tuesday from injuries he inflicted upon himself following a tense barricade situation that began Monday afternoon.
The incident started around the 2700 block of Southeast Tropical Circle after police received multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire in the area. Responding officers discovered that two men had been struck by gunfire in separate locations within the same neighborhood.
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk explained that early findings suggest the tragic series of events may have stemmed from a long-running dispute between neighbors. “It appears there was some ongoing tension, and something triggered the suspect to act out violently,” Niemczyk said, adding that the motive is still under investigation.
Following the initial shootings, investigators learned that Maraio had retreated to a residence, where he allegedly held a woman hostage while armed. Law enforcement immediately surrounded the home and began negotiating with him.
Specialized units, including SWAT officers, K-9 teams, and crisis negotiators, were deployed to the scene to manage the situation and ensure the safety of nearby residents. During the standoff, officers made repeated attempts to persuade Maraio to surrender peacefully. After some time, he agreed to release the woman unharmed, which officers described as a positive step toward de-escalation.
Negotiations continued for about an hour before Maraio reportedly told officers that he had harmed himself. Using an indoor police drone, authorities were able to confirm that he had indeed sustained a gunshot wound.
SWAT officers then entered the home, secured the scene, and took Maraio into custody. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate assistance before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
Despite medical efforts, officials confirmed that Maraio died from his injuries on Tuesday, bringing an end to the tense and tragic episode that had gripped the community for nearly two days.
The two men who lost their lives during the initial shootings have not yet been publicly identified, pending family notification. Investigators are continuing to examine the sequence of events, the nature of the alleged dispute, and the actions that led up to the violence.
Chief Niemczyk praised the officers and crisis negotiators for their professionalism and restraint in handling an exceptionally difficult and dangerous situation. He also expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and for the community members affected by the incident. “This was a tragic situation for everyone involved,” he said. “We are grateful that no more lives were lost during the standoff and that the hostage was released safely.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the events leading up to the shootings to contact the Port St. Lucie Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-273-TIPS or visiting tcwatch.org.
As the investigation continues, officials emphasized that incidents like this highlight the importance of conflict resolution and community awareness, especially when disputes begin to escalate. The city of Port St. Lucie is offering support resources to residents impacted by the tragedy, as friends, neighbors, and loved ones mourn those who lost their lives in the heartbreaking event.
