ST. PETERSBURG — Detectives have announced that the suspect in Tuesday’s homicide in south St. Petersburg is now in custody and will face multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder.
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, Jason Blythe, 43, was arrested Wednesday in Tampa on unrelated charges. Investigators say Blythe is responsible for the shooting death of an 86-year-old man and the victim’s family dog in the 5800 block of 11th Street South on Tuesday, June 30.
Police said the victim and Blythe were acquainted, although investigators have not determined a motive for the killing.
Detectives previously confirmed that the victim’s body was discovered at approximately 3:45 p.m. on June 30 and that foul play was immediately suspected. During the incident, investigators say the suspect also shot and killed a family member’s dog that was with the victim.
Once detectives and the State Attorney’s Office complete the arrest warrant process, Blythe will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail. He is expected to face charges of:
- First-degree murder
- Animal cruelty
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
At this time, Blythe remains held without bond in the Hillsborough County Jail on an outstanding warrant from Tift County, Georgia, for probation violation related to aggravated assault on a peace officer and fleeing and eluding.
The homicide investigation remains active as detectives continue working to determine what led to the fatal shooting.