Suspect and victim identified in Friday Marion Oaks shooting

One woman is dead after a shooting on Friday at Marion Oaks Boulevard and Marion Oaks Drive, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office [Jennifer Hunt Murty/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

A murder suspect has been identified after a shooting in Marion Oaks left one person dead on Friday.

Authorities say Melvin Arias, 33, went to the scene at 168 Marion Oaks Blvd. and got into an argument with Milagros Guzman Lopez, 47, and shot and killed her outside of a business in the shopping plaza just before 2 p.m. on Friday.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after receiving a call at 1:57 p.m. and found the victim dead and said that Arias fled the scene. There is a warrant out for Arias’ arrest in connection to the murder.

Someone near the scene, Anna Fabela, said she was pumping gas at the nearby BP gas station with her two sons when the shooting occurred.

“I always felt safe here, but it seems like it’s getting worse with so many people moving here. It’s never been like this. Lately it’s been wild,” Fabela said.

Fabela said she recently moved to Marion County last August and frequents the gas station at Marion Oaks Boulevard and Marion Oaks Drive nearly every afternoon.

Another person near the scene, who asked to remain anonymous, said he has lived in Marion Oaks for 13 years.

“I’ve always felt safe in Marion Oaks. It’s a good neighborhood. This my home,” he said.

Deputies and detectives consider Arias armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged by law enforcement to call 911.