ORLANDO, Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born on May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that before the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators said that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect then left the area in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, about two blocks from the scene of the shooting.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this is the third homicide recorded in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying their evening before the incident occurred.
According to the family, as the couple left the club after closing time, a vehicle drove past them at a high speed. Cruz’s partner reportedly shouted toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation allegedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
Anthony Cruz said his son stepped in to intervene during the confrontation. During the altercation, another individual exited the vehicle, and Cruz was shot.
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family believes another individual may have been directly responsible for firing the weapon. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has been set up across from the nightclub, where community members have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply affected the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
The Orlando Police Department has not released further details regarding possible additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline. The investigation remains ongoing.
