Detectives from the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) continue to investigate a shooting incident that left a 15 year-old victim dead.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 near the 1500 block of 9th Avenue S.
Zykiquiro Lofton, age 15, was the victim
of a shooting.
He was transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital where he later died of his injuries.
St. Petersburg Police detectives charged 17 year-old Deonte Bishop, with 1st Degree Felony Murder in the homicide of Lofton.
During the course of the investigation into the death of Lofton, detectives were able to develop probable cause to charge Bishop.
Bishop had already been arrested hours earlier at 12:30 a.m., December 30th, on unrelated charges. Officers pulled over a car in a traffic stop, and Bishop was a passenger. At that time, he was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
“Our detectives worked diligently around the clock to close this case. Although this is tragic for all involved, at least we were able to bring justice to the victim’s family,” said Chief Anthony Holloway.
This is still an ongoing investigation.