17-year-old arrested for murder in shooting death of 15-year-old in St. Pete, police say
Zykiquiro Lofton (Photo: St. Pete Police)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Police in St. Petersburg have charged a teen suspect with murder in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy Thursday night.
Just after 9 p.m., police responded to the 1500 block of 9th Avenue South, where officers found Zykiquirio Lofton suffering from a gunshot wound.
Zykiquirio was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Investigators said he would have celebrated his 16th birthday next month.
While police searched for the gunman, it turned out they — unknowingly — already had their suspect in custody.
Investigators said 17-year-old Deonte Bishop had been arrested around 12:30 a.m. Friday on unrelated charges, after officers pulled over a car in a traffic stop where Bishop was a passenger.
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At the time, Bishop was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
During the course of their investigation into Zykiquirio's murder, detectives said they were able to develop probable cause to charge Bishop in the shooting.
"Our detectives worked diligently around the clock to close this case," Police 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."
Bishop is charged with first-degree felony murder in Zykquirio Lofton's death. Police say the shooting is still under investigation.