Sarasota police say a second suspect is now facing a murder charge in a May 2024 killing that left a 28-year-old man dead in north Sarasota. Detectives on Wednesday identified the newly charged suspect as 21-year-old Laterryah Reed and said she was notified of the charge earlier this week while already in custody at another facility. The case stems from a May 16, 2024 shooting in which the victim was found shot and died at the scene.
Investigation update
According to Tampa Bay 28, Reed was informed of the murder charge while being held at Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala on separate 2024 charges. The outlet reports that police have not publicly explained how Reed is believed to be connected to the shooting or whether they expect to file any additional counts. Investigators say the case remains very much active as they work through evidence and earlier arrests tied to the killing.
Shooting details
Officers were called around 10:15 p.m. on May 16, 2024 to the 1800 block of 31st Street, where they found a 28-year-old man who had been shot twice. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the department described the shooting as an isolated incident in a May 2024 update, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
Earlier in the investigation, local coverage reported that two juveniles were arrested in late May 2024 in connection with the killing. Police announced on May 21, 2024 that 15-year-old Tujuan Byrd and 14-year-old Ladarius Goodman-Mills had been taken into custody and charged with murder. At that time, authorities also urged the public to share any tips that might help detectives close out the case.
How to help investigators
Detectives have asked anyone with information to contact Detective Maria Llovio at 941-263-6836, as reported by Tampa Bay 28. The department’s earlier news release also listed Detective Steven Fergus and the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 941-366-TIPS for those who prefer not to give their names. For the original case summary and contact details, see the Sarasota Police Department update.
The shooting took place near the intersection of 31st Street and Osprey Avenue in the Newtown neighborhood, close to Booker High School, an area local reporting has noted has seen multiple shootings this year. Community leaders and residents have continued to press for sustained attention on gun violence as officers follow new leads. Sarasota News Leader has tracked earlier incidents in the neighborhood and shared prior police updates on the case.
