Three State Attorney’s Office prosecutors have received awards for their diligent work in successfully putting together a case and prosecuting Michael James Russo for the murder of 18 year old Kyle Farishian at a convenience store in Punta Gorda on November 1, 2015.
Assistant State Attorney Shannon Doolity, head of the Charlotte County Office, Assistant State Attorney Dan Feinberg of our Homicide Unit, and Assistant State Attorney Kyle Stublen were recognized at the third annual Charlotte County Public Safety Appreciation Night held this weekend in Punta Gorda. The third annual event honors those working in public safety with a banquet and awards ceremony to recognize their efforts for the community. Each agency involved may bestow an award.
“These prosecutors were recognized due to their excellence and dedication in prosecution. This case had many layers to it leading up to the sentence of life in prison for the defendant,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Amira Fox who presented the award.
29-year-old Russo was found guilty as charged at trial in 2016 of Second Degree Murder and First Degree Arson. Russo had entered a 7-11 on Aqui Esta Drive in 2015 and shot store clerk Farishian. He then doused gasoline over the victim and set him on fire. Identifying the suspect involved the work of the Punta Gorda Police Department and the FBI. Russo also received 30 years in prison for the First Degree Arson charge which he is serving concurrently to his life sentence for murder.
Left to right in the above photo are Assistant State Attorney Shannon Doolity, Chief Assistant State Attorney Amira Fox, Assistant State Attorney Kyle Stublen, and Assistant State Attorney Dan Feinberg
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org