ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg Police have announced they have a person of interest connected to two recent homicides.
That person is currently in the Hillsborough County Jail on unrelated charges. The person’s name has not been released.
Authorities said detectives were able to identify a person of interest through working with Tampa Police Department and the FBI. That person was taken into custody Wednesday night.
What You Need To Know
- Person of interest in custody in connection with two fatal St. Pete shootings
- Person taken into custody, is now in Hillsborough County Jail
- Information can be reported to crime stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or by visiting Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County
Early Tuesday, 24-year-old Corlenzo Williams was shot and killed on 17th Avenue South. Two days before that, 60-year-old Vernon Williams, no relation, was shot and killed in the 900 block of Melrose Avenue South.
St. Pete police said both men were walking in the early-morning hours when they were approached by a suspect who shot them after a brief conversation.
Authorities and community anti-violence advocates are asking anyone with information to come forward.
"We have two families that have to bury their loved ones,” said Corey Givens, Jr., St. Pete Now President. “And the least we can do is provide them some peace and solace by giving them some answers behind whatever happened this past week."
Two men were shot and killed in St. Pete and @StPetePD says the killings appear to be random.
— Angie Angers (@angie_angers) April 14, 2022
Both victims were were walking alone early in the morning. 1 Sunday, 1 Tuesday. Both times, the suspect approached them and struck up a short conversation before killing the men @BN9 pic.twitter.com/nZn6WmfOMF
Police are looking for both tips and doorbell cam footage.
Authorities also said a third incident happened where a man was approached but saw a gun and ran off.
Information can be reported to crime stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or by visiting Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County.