Detectives from the Pinellas Park Police Department continue to investigate a shooting that occurred on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at approximately 11:33 p.m.
Officers responded to a report of gunshots near 67th Ave N and 41st St N in Pinellas Park.
Upon arrival, officers located one victim, identified as 54-year-old John Luke Jr., deceased on scene. The second victim, identified as 42-year-old Brian Mikell, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The suspect, identified through the investigation as 30-year-old Austin Skonecki, has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony murder in the first degree in connection with this incident.
According to arrest documentation, Skonecki was engaged in a verbal altercation at the home. A witness stated that the victim walked outside the garage to separate himself from Skonecki. That witness stated that Skonecki drew his holstered handgun and followed the victim outside, followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. After a few moments, a second group of multiple gunshots were heard.
Skonecki reportedly drove to his parent’s home and told them he was going to prison and that he shot both victims. He also told his parents that he shot one of the victims in the head and that the victim deserved it.