Mary Dino Obituary: Death of 28-Year-Old Woman Shot Amid Violent Altercation Between Joshua Clark and Jose Coronado in Mulberry, Involving Meth Trafficking, Gunfire, and Tragic Escalation, Leaves Heartbroken Family as Community Struggles with Loss”
Mary Dino’s untimely death marked a tragic and deeply unsettling moment for her family, friends, and the Mulberry community, where her life was abruptly ended by a senseless act of violence. Mary, only 28, lost her life amid a dangerous dispute that spiraled into deadly gunfire, stemming from an argument between two men, Joshua Clark, 35, and Jose Coronado, 34. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday morning, as Mary sat in Coronado’s car on Levins Road, a witness to the escalating tensions between the two men. The events that followed would leave an unforgettable scar on the community, forever changing the lives of those who loved Mary and igniting calls for justice and action against the drugs and violence that contributed to her tragic end.
According to the initial reports shared by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the argument that led to Mary’s death began when Clark and Coronado met on Levins Road. The two men, whose troubled histories were intertwined with methamphetamine trafficking, began exchanging heated words in what should have been an otherwise quiet area. As the argument intensified, Clark appeared to step back toward his vehicle. This action seemed to prompt a reaction from Coronado, who reportedly turned back to his own car to retrieve a firearm. Sheriff Judd explained that as Coronado reached for his weapon, a fateful and tragic misfire occurred. The bullet struck Mary, who had remained seated in the car, hitting her in the chest in a heartbreaking moment of unintended violence.
Sheriff Judd’s account detailed the chaos and desperation that ensued after the gun went off. Coronado, in a state of panic and anger, aimed his weapon at Clark, believing him to be responsible for the tragic turn of events. In a series of rapid, chaotic exchanges, both men reportedly fired shots, each blaming the other for the tragic consequences of their actions. Coronado, realizing the severity of Mary’s injuries, hastily transported her to Ryals Road, a location where he left her in the back of a truck, pleading with nearby people to get her to a hospital. His words to the people present reportedly included a hurried explanation of his need to flee, as he faced an outstanding warrant for meth trafficking in Hillsborough County, which added yet another layer of tragedy and conflict to an already devastating situation.
Mary’s life, filled with promise, warmth, and kindness, came to a tragic end as her injuries proved too severe, ultimately claiming her life. For those who knew her, Mary was more than a name in a headline; she was a cherished daughter, friend, and community member whose presence brought light to those around her. Her death has shaken the Mulberry community to its core, raising serious questions about the factors that contributed to the violent circumstances surrounding her final moments. Sheriff Judd, deeply moved by the tragedy, promised that his office would leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for Mary, as investigators continue to piece together the full story behind the events on Levins Road.
The ongoing investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office led to the swift apprehension of Jose Coronado, who was found and arrested along Highway 17 north of Fort Meade after a 20-mile search. The arrest provided some relief to Mary’s family and the community, yet left lingering questions and an enduring pain that could not be easily assuaged. Meanwhile, the search for Joshua Clark initially continued, with law enforcement working tirelessly to ensure that all responsible parties were brought to justice. Hours later, by early Thursday afternoon, Clark was also taken into custody, his arrest representing another step toward accountability in a case that had already left a trail of grief and devastation.
As Mary’s family grapples with the profound loss of their beloved daughter, community members and friends have come together to honor her memory, expressing their sorrow and support in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Gatherings, vigils, and community messages have poured in, each one a reminder of the impact Mary had on those around her. Her family, in a public statement, shared memories of Mary’s kindness, her laughter, and her dreams, all of which were cut short by the violence of that tragic morning. The community has rallied to support the grieving family, with many calling for greater awareness and preventative measures to address the drug-related issues that have contributed to an increase in violent incidents across the region.
The violence that erupted between Clark and Coronado has underscored a darker side of Mulberry’s struggles with methamphetamine trafficking and its impacts on public safety. As Sheriff Judd’s office continues its investigation, community leaders have called for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of drug trafficking and associated violence. In a public statement, local leaders emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety measures, supporting local law enforcement, and implementing programs aimed at reducing drug addiction and related crimes. This call to action reflects a broader concern shared by many in the community, who fear that similar incidents may continue to occur unless meaningful steps are taken to confront these issues head-on.
For Sheriff Judd, the tragic death of Mary Dino represents both a deeply personal loss and a call to duty. He has vowed to pursue justice with unwavering commitment, ensuring that Mary’s story serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the consequences of unchecked violence. The investigation, he noted, is far from over, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days as the Sheriff’s Office examines the events that led to Mary’s tragic end. In the meantime, Judd has reassured the public that his office is dedicated to bringing all responsible parties to justice and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the wake of Mary’s death, many in Mulberry have found themselves reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of community bonds. The outpouring of support for Mary’s family has provided a semblance of comfort amid the overwhelming sorrow, as friends, neighbors, and strangers alike have offered their condolences and shared their memories of a young woman whose life was filled with love, laughter, and hope.
