St. Petersburg Police have made an arrest in the death of a young man who was found with gunshot wounds outside a residence in the city. Eddie Smith III, 26, faces a charge of first-degree murder following the incident on October 30, as WTSP reports. The victim, Anthony Ly, 20, was discovered in a driveway at the 2800 block of 16th Avenue South and later died at Orlando Bayfront Hospital.
The ongoing investigation by the St. Petersburg Police Department has brought to light a second suspect. Datrik Pettis, 23, is currently being sought for his connection to the same murder charge, as was arrested on Thursday, according to the information provided by WFLA. Pettis is considered armed and dangerous, and detectives caution the public about attempting to apprehend him.
The circumstances surrounding Ly's death remain under scrutiny. It was a neighbor who, not recognizing Ly, alerted the authorities after finding him down at 5 p.m. Police say Ly did not reside at the property where he was found. Those with information on the homicide are encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers of Pinellas, with a reward of up to $5,000 being offered for information leading to an arrest, a detail noted by Fox 13 News.
Crime Stoppers of Pinellas can be contacted at 1-800-873-TIPS with any information on the case. The community is reminded that contributing any details could be crucial in securing Pettis's arrest and bringing resolution to this case—an outcome for which a monetary reward has been offered.
