Guatemalan Immigrant Released from ICE Custody After Charges Dropped

Virgilio Aguilar Mendez was freed following an autopsy that concluded Sgt. Michael Kunovich died of natural causes, not due to their confrontation.

Virgilio Aguilar Mendez, a 19-year-old Guatemalan illegal immigrant accused in the death of a Florida police sergeant, has been released from ICE custody.
Charges against Mendez were dropped after an autopsy revealed the sergeant died of natural causes due to cardiac dysrhythmia.
The incident occurred in May 2023 when Sgt. Michael Kunovich approached Mendez for suspicious behavior, leading to a physical confrontation.
Defense argued Mendez was confused and unable to understand English, contributing to the decision to drop charges.
The case has sparked debate over law enforcement practices and the treatment of immigrants in custody.