A second Vero Beach resident has been apprehended in connection with a tragic fatal shooting at a Treasure Coast jewelry exchange. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Tylen Ryan by the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Indian River County, bringing another layer of accountability to a sprawling multi-county investigation.
A second Vero Beach man has been arrested on evidence tampering charges following a chilling April homicide at a Fort Pierce jewelry store, revealing a complex timeline of events that stretches across Indian River and St. Lucie counties.
Tylen Ryan was taken into custody on May 5 and was initially held at the Indian River County Jail before being transferred to the St. Lucie County Jail on May 7. Ryan faces a charge of tampering with evidence after being identified by investigators as a person of interest following the April 28 death of 35-year-old Lanessa Rodriguez.
The primary suspect, 20-year-old Landen Ballard, also of Vero Beach, was previously arrested on severe charges including murder, obstruction of justice, and violation of probation. Surveillance video from Cash Out Gold & Silver, located on South U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce, provided investigators with a grim and detailed timeline of the incident.
According to court records, Ballard and Rodriguez conversed as though they were acquainted before the violence unfolded. Ballard allegedly produced a concealed firearm from his hip, shooting the store manager once in the shoulder before emptying his magazine with six additional shots.
Police discovered the horrific scene shortly after 7:00 p.m. when a man arriving from a Vero Beach gold store found Rodriguez near the front entrance. The investigation intensified late that evening when a female witness approached the Vero Beach Police Department to report her unwitting involvement as a driver.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident:
- 3:13 p.m.: Ballard allegedly contacted the female witness via Snapchat, requesting a ride to sell a gold pendant.
- 5:49 p.m.: The witness drove Ballard and another male to the Fort Pierce jewelry store, waiting in the vehicle while the two men went inside.
- The Escape: Fleeing the scene after the shooting, Ballard allegedly discarded a firearm and magazine near Interstate 95 and Indrio Road. Court records state he showed no regret, reportedly asking his companions, “Is it bad that I have no remorse?”
- Rendezvous in Vero Beach: The group met an individual known to them as “CoJack” at HCA Florida Vero Beach Emergency, moving into a black sedan.
- Aborted Robbery: Under threat of being killed if she did not comply, the female witness reported the group drove back toward the Fort Pierce store with the intention to commit a robbery, but immediately retreated to Vero Beach after spotting law enforcement on the scene.
This ongoing multi-county investigation highlights the collaborative efforts of the Vero Beach Police Department, Fort Pierce Police, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force. Local authorities continue to piece together the evidence to ensure justice is served for the victim and safety is maintained for residents across the Treasure Coast.
