Father Confesses To Killing Daughter’s Boyfriend: Manatee Sheriff

Updated: 12:05 p.m., Thursday

BRADENTON, FL — A father who shot and killed his daughter’s boyfriend in Bradenton turned himself in to authorities Thursday morning and confessed to the crime, according to a news release from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

A warrant was issued Tuesday night for the arrest of Charles Heaven, 48, who was wanted on a second-degree murder charge, the agency said. A $5,000 reward was offered through the Gold Star Club of Manatee County for information leading to his arrest.

Heaven showed up at his 24-year-old daughter’s apartment at The Venue at Lockwood Apartment Homes on 54th Drive E. around 7 p.m. and got into an argument with her boyfriend, Keith Smith, 30, MCSO said.

While arguing outside her apartment, Heaven pulled out a gun and shot Smith in the upper torso, according to the sheriff’s office.

EMS brought the victim to Blake Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Heaven ran from the scene and his location was unknown until he turned himself in, MCSO said.