Autopsy report reveals SJSO sergeant could have had heart attack before struggle with suspect

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County’s Medical Examiner released the autopsy report for Sgt. Michael Kunovich, who died while trying to apprehend a suspect in May.

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On May 19, 2023, Sgt. Kunovich engaged in a struggle with Vergilio Aguilar Mendez after attempting to arrest him, resulting in the sergeant’s death. Aguilar Mendez was a migrant worker in the U.S. illegally.

Aguilar Mendez faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and resisting with violence. Defense attorneys assert that he does not speak English and did not commit a crime. His defense said that he was trying to call his parents and didn’t know why Kunovich was trying to search and arrest him.

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The autopsy report was released as part of several documents Aguilar Mendez’s defense attorney submitted to get the charges dismissed. A judge previously determined that 18-year-old Aguilar Mendez was incompetent to stand trial.

The autopsy report revealed that Kunovich had scar tissue consistent with having a heart attack. The report also stated that Kunovich may have had a heart attack before the struggle with Aguilar Mendez.

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The ME also said Kunovich’s arteries were 25-75% blocked at the time of his death, and the ME stated that in his opinion, Kunovich’s death didn’t meet the criteria for a homicide.

At this time, Aguilar Mendez doesn’t have another court appearance scheduled.

Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and will update you as events unfold.

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