Major legal developments are unfolding regarding a tragedy that shook the Vero Lake Estates community nearly two years ago. On Friday, December 19, 2025, two teenagers accused in a deadly double homicide resulting from a drug transaction gone wrong are scheduled to appear in an Indian River County courtroom.
The proceedings mark a significant step toward closure for a case involving the shooting deaths of two 19-year-old men from Brevard County, Joseph Cardella of Melbourne and Logan Thompson of Palm Bay. The incident, which occurred in March 2024, highlighted the dangers of illicit high-stakes transactions within local residential neighborhoods.
The Incident in Vero Lake Estates
The case dates back to March 11, 2024, when Cardella and Thompson traveled to Indian River County. According to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, the two young men arrived at the 7700 block of 105th Court in Vero Lake Estates to conduct a transaction involving a large quantity of THC vape pens.
Investigators determined that the victims had transported approximately 1,300 THC vape pens, valued at roughly $3,000, to meet with the suspects. However, what was intended to be a sale quickly turned violent.
Investigative Findings:
Deputies reported that during the encounter, the suspect identified as the shooter produced a handgun and fired approximately 20 rounds. Both victims were struck multiple times and were unarmed; no weapons were found in their vehicle.
Surveillance video and audio from the neighborhood played a pivotal role in the investigation. Audio recordings captured the distinct sound of two dozen gunshots, all originating from a single weapon. Further video evidence showed interactions between the suspects before and after the shooting that contradicted initial claims of innocence or mere witness status.
Status of the Accused
The two suspects, both minors at the time of the offense, are facing different legal paths as they return to court.
Jaime C. Mosqueda, now 19, was 17 at the time of the shooting. Although arrested initially as a juvenile, he was subsequently charged as an adult due to the severity of the crimes. Mosqueda is facing serious charges including first-degree murder with a firearm, robbery with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence.
Mosqueda, who allegedly fled the scene with the stolen vape pens and disposed of the murder weapon, had previously pleaded not guilty. He is expected to enter a new plea during Friday’s hearing, a move that will determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial or resolves through a plea agreement.
John Govea, now 18, was 16 when the incident occurred. While authorities determined he did not fire the weapon, investigators state he was instrumental in setting up the meeting and was present during the murders. Despite initially claiming to be a bystander, surveillance footage showed behavior inconsistent with a witness, leading to his arrest.
Govea has pleaded no contest to charges including third-degree murder, accessory after the fact, tampering with evidence, and false reporting in a capital case. He is scheduled for sentencing during this court appearance, which is expected to formally conclude his involvement in the legal proceedings.
Community Impact
For residents of Vero Beach and the quiet enclave of Vero Lake Estates, this case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly criminal activity can escalate into violence. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office utilized significant resources, including digital forensics and neighborhood surveillance, to piece together the timeline that led to these arrests.
As the court session proceeds, the families of the victims and the local community await the final judicial decisions that will determine the fate of the young men involved in this violent episode.
