Third Orlando Homicide of 2026: Police Detail Early-Morning Altercation That Ended in Julien Cruz’s Tragic Death

 The city of Orlando is grieving after a deadly shooting claimed the life of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz in the early hours of Sunday morning. What began as a night out in one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife corridors ended in tragedy along North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe. As details continue to emerge, family members, friends, and members of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community are struggling to process a loss that feels both sudden and deeply personal.

According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded around 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to reports of gunfire in the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue. When they arrived, they found Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born on May 18, 1992, marking the end of a life that loved ones say was filled with warmth, loyalty, and ambition.

Investigators say the shooting followed a verbal and physical altercation outside a nightclub area. Detectives believe Cruz and the suspect were involved in a dispute that escalated on the sidewalk. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Patrol officers later located the suspect’s vehicle nearby, leading to a swift arrest. Police confirmed that 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr has been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm. The case marks Orlando’s third homicide of 2026, a sobering statistic for a city that has worked hard to strengthen community safety.

Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, has spoken publicly about the heartbreak his family now faces. He shared that his son and his partner had been enjoying their evening at Savoy Orlando before the violence unfolded. According to the family’s account, as they were leaving the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Words were reportedly exchanged, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation involving Cruz’s partner and individuals from the car. When Cruz stepped in, another person allegedly exited the vehicle, and shots were fired. “My son didn’t deserve what happened,” his father said. “All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”

While an arrest has been made, Cruz’s family has expressed concerns that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional suspects are under investigation, and the case remains active. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

In the days since the shooting, a growing memorial of candles and flowers has formed across from the nightclub, transforming a stretch of sidewalk into a place of reflection. Community members describe Cruz as kind-hearted, protective, and deeply devoted to those he loved. For many in Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community, the loss feels especially heavy, reopening painful memories of past acts of violence while underscoring the need for continued unity and vigilance. As the investigation moves forward, loved ones say their focus remains on honoring Cruz’s life — not just the way it ended — and seeking justice that brings some measure of accountability and healing.