Hialeah landlord shoots, kills tenant in late rent payment dispute, police say

HIALEAH, Fla. – A Hialeah man faces a charge of first-degree murder after he shot and killed his tenant Saturday in a payment dispute, police said.

Reineiro Espino Caballero, 76, confronted the tenant, Ramon Emilio Gutierrez Castillo, 46, for his rent payment of $550, which was due April 1, police said.

The pair got into an argument, during which time Castillo went inside the apartment and locked a glass door to prevent Caballero from entering, police said.

Caballero then got a gun and opened fire toward the glass door, causing glass to strike Castillo in the hip, police said.

The pair then physically fought and Caballero shot Castillo in the face, police said. Castillo died inside the apartment. 

Caballero provided a recorded statement admitting to the incident, police said. 

He was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and armed burglary.