Woman Charged with Manslaughter Following the Shooting Death of a Teen Overnight in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Police say that at 2:25 a.m. on Sunday, December 23, 2018, a gun “accidentally discharged” inside a vehicle near Central Avenue and 58th St. The bullet struck a 17 year-old girl. The circumstances are still under investigation.

She was driven on Central Avenue, behind the Police Department, where they flagged down a police officer. 

17 year-old Destiny Loper later died of her injuries.

A suspect was taken into custody. She has been identified as 21 year-old Jessica Perry of St. Petersburg and charged with manslaughter.