17-Year-Old Charged In Teen’s Fatal Shooting: St. Pete Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A 17-year-old was charged with felony first-degree murder in the shooting death of another teenager, according to a St. Petersburg Police Department news release.

Zy’Kiquiro Lofton, 15, was fatally shot Thursday night just after 9 p.m., police said.

Witnesses told WFTS that he was chased by three other young men before being shot near the PURE gas station at the intersection of 9th Avenue South and 16th Street.

The teen suspect was taken into custody early Friday morning, about 12:30 a.m., on other charges, police said.

He was the passenger in a car pulled over for a traffic stop and he was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to sell, according to SPPD.

Detectives later developed probably cause to charge the 17-year-old in relation to Bishop’s death, the agency added.

While police released the suspect's name, it is Patch's policy not to identify those in the juvenile court system. Patch has reached out to St. Petersburg police about whether the suspect is being charged as an adult or juvenile.

"Our detectives worked diligently around the clock to close this case. Although this is tragic for all involved, at least we were able to bring justice to the victim's family," said Chief Anthony Holloway.

The investigation remains ongoing.