A St. Petersburg man has been apprehended and is facing a second-degree murder charge after a deadly shooting incident. Corey Deron Battle, 47, was taken into custody following the death of Jerome Smith, 44, according to the WFLA News Channel 8. The St. Petersburg Police Department disclosed that the altercation, leading to the shooting, took place at Smith's residence in the 800 block of 21st Avenue South last week.
The disturbing sequence of events began when a neighbor reported to authorities about finding Smith bleeding at his home around 8:45 p.m. last Thursday. Upon arrival, officers discovered Smith still alive, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was promptly transported to a hospital, however, succumbed to his injuries three days later, as per the Tampa Bay Times.
Further details emerged revealing that Battle asserted to the police that he acted in self-defense, allegedly shooting Smith after Smith brandished a gun first. Post the fatal incident, Battle claimed to have disposed of his weapon in a local waterway and eliminated his clothing at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This information was acquired through an arrest affidavit, pointed out by the Tampa Bay Times.
The incident raises questions about the dynamics between Battle and Smith, with officials confirming the men knew each other prior to the conflict. However, the precise nature of their argument remains undetermined. "It is unclear what Battle and the victim were arguing about," according to the FOX 13 News. In addition to the murder charge, records indicated that Battle has also been accused of failing to fulfill internet registration requirements as a sexual offender, as noted by the Tampa Bay Times. Currently, Battle is being held without bond. As the case remains active, authorities continue their investigation to ascertain the full scope of this tragic occurrence.
