Man who claimed to accidentally shoot, kill Valrico woman charged with first-degree murder: HCSO
VALRICO, Fla. - Charges against a deadly shooting suspect were upgraded Thursday afternoon following an autopsy on the victim.
What we know:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says its Communication Center received a call from Michael Zammiello, 48, around 4 p.m. on Wednesday reporting an accidental injury.
When deputies arrived at the home located in the 4200 block of Amber Ridge Lane in Valrico, they said they found Shirley St. Pearre, 73, with a gunshot wound to the head.
Photo courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
She was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
Detectives said he told them he accidentally shot St. Pearre inside the home.
Mugshot of Michael Zammiello. Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Initially, Zammiello was charged with one count of manslaughter with a weapon.
Those charges have since been upgraded to pre-meditated first-degree murder with a firearm.
What we don't know:
HCSO has not said how Zammiello and St. Pearre knew each other.
What they're saying:
"This was a senseless act of violence, and our detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure justice is served," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "The evidence uncovered in this investigation leaves no doubt about the suspect's intent, and we will do everything in our power to hold him accountable for this horrific crime."
The Source: This story was written with information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
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