Search for shooters who ambushed tree trimmers continues

WEST PALM BEACH  -- Investigators are searching for two shooters who ambushed tree trimmers -- killing one -- yesterday in suburban West Palm Beach.

Police said Fritznel Vertus, 39, of 411 North B Street, died after he was shot out of a tree.

Another tree trimmer, Mario Castellon, 41, of 2514 10th Avenue in Lake Worth, is in critical condition at St. Mary's Medical Center.

The tree trimmers were working, cutting down limbs around power lines, in a neighborhood off Haverhill and 45th Street.  They were approached by two armed men, who tried to rob them before shooting Vertus dead. 

A witness who lives a few houses down said he heard the gunshots and looked up from his backyard to see one of the men on the ground.  He ran over to help and said the trimmers explained to him in broken English what happened.

"He said the guys came up and showed a gun and said give me your money. And they said we have no money.. We working. And they just started shooting." 

The tree trimmers were contracted by Florida Power and Light, but worked for Asplundh. 

"We were just notified of this tragic situation," said a company spokesman. "An active and ongoing police investigation is in process,  and as we still don't know exactly what happened, our primary concern right now is for our employees and their families."