Okeechobee, FL — A wave of sorrow has swept through the Okeechobee community following the tragic death of 40-year-old Santos Gaucin, who was found shot to death inside a vehicle early Sunday morning, October 20, 2025, at Debbie Park Trailer Park. Authorities have confirmed the case is being investigated as a homicide.

Deputies with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) responded to the scene around 3 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from a concerned witness who discovered an unresponsive man inside a crashed vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found Gaucin suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Investigators spent hours at the scene combing for evidence and interviewing residents in hopes of piecing together the events that led to the fatal shooting. While early speculation tied the case to Oklahoma, CBS12 News later confirmed that there is no connection outside Florida — the tragic incident occurred entirely within Okeechobee County.

As of now, no suspects have been identified, and a motive remains unclear. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed unusual activity in the Debbie Park area that morning to come forward. Tips can be shared with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 632-1972 or anonymously through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477).

Loved ones of Santos Gaucin are heartbroken, describing him as a kind and hardworking man whose life ended far too soon. Friends and family are asking for prayers and privacy as they mourn his loss and await answers. Details regarding funeral or memorial services have not yet been released.

The tragic death of Santos Gaucin has left a deep wound in the Okeechobee community — one marked by grief, unanswered questions, and a shared plea for justice. As the investigation continues, residents are holding on to hope that those responsible will soon be brought to account.