ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Authorities arrested and charged a 17-year-old with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy Thursday night in St. Petersburg, police said in an updated statement.
The older teen, who 10 Tampa Bay is not naming because of his age, had already been arrested just after midnight Friday, according to a news release. He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
Police say the shooting happened just after 9 p.m. in the area of 9th Avenue and 16th Street South. The 15-year-old, identified as Zykiquiro Lofton, was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound but later died, police said.
"Our detectives worked diligently around the clock to close this case," St. Petersburg Police Department Chief Anthony Holloway said in a statement. "Although this is tragic for all involved, at least we were able to bring justice to the victim's family."
Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your tip to TIP411. Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS to possibly be eligible for a $5,000 reward.