Murder Suspect Gets Life In Prison For Bradenton Shooting: Brodsky

BRADENTON, FL — A Bradenton man was sentenced Monday to life in prison for the 2018 shooting death of another man, State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office said in a news release.

Prior to his sentencing, Arnell Elrod was convicted of second-degree murder with a firearm following a four-day trial that ended July 8 at the Manatee County Courthouse, the office said.

Elrod shot and killed Breyon Pittman Nov. 17, 2018, inside a vehicle in a residential neighborhood, according to Brodsky’s office. His DNA was found on the murder weapon and other items, leading law enforcement to his relative’s house.

At his relative’s home, investigators found a latex glove with blood on it. DNA analysis showed that on one side of the glove was the victim’s blood, while the other side had Elrod’s DNA mixed with Pittman’s, the SAO said.

He was sentenced to life in prison, the maximum possible sentence, as a prison release reoffender.

Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence, the lead prosecutor on the case, said, “We are pleased with the jury’s ability to stay focused on the relevant evidence presented throughout the trial and returning the appropriate verdict. The hard work and investigative skills of the men and women of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office ensured we could obtain justice for the family of Breyon Pittman.”