News Summary
In St. Petersburg, a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 20-year-old Anthony Ly. Datrik Pettis, 23, was taken into custody, following the arrest of Eddie Smith III a few days earlier. Both suspects have been charged with first-degree murder. The investigation reveals that Ly was shot during a meeting that escalated into violence. Police continue to seek information regarding the case and have offered a reward to encourage tips from the community.
St. Petersburg – A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 20-year-old Anthony Ly, who was shot on October 30, 2024. The St. Petersburg Police Department has confirmed that Datrik Pettis, 23, was taken into custody on the morning of November 11, 2024.
Anthony Ly was shot in a driveway off 16th Avenue South while meeting with Pettis and another individual, Eddie Smith III, 26. An altercation broke out during the meeting, leading to the fatal shooting. Ly was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds.
Police received a call from a neighbor at around 5 p.m. on October 30 reporting a man down in the area. Upon arrival, officers found Ly and discovered that the neighbor did not recognize him, stating that he did not live at the residence where he was found.
Eddie Smith III was arrested on November 7, 2024, and charged with first-degree murder. At that time, investigators were actively pursuing Pettis, who was also facing a first-degree murder charge. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted local detectives in locating Pettis, leading to his arrest.
Both suspects, Smith and Pettis, are now charged with first-degree murder for their involvement in Anthony Ly’s death. The law enforcement authorities have assured the community that they are diligently working to gather all available information regarding the case.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues. Authorities have offered a reward of up to $5,000 for any information related to the homicide. Anyone with details is encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers of Pinellas at 1-800-873-TIPS.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community and raises concerns regarding public safety. The St. Petersburg Police Department is committed to addressing these matters and urges anyone with information to come forward.
As this is an unfolding story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Gun violence
- WTSP News
- Google Search: Gun violence St Petersburg
- WFLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime in Florida
- Patch.com
- Google News: St Petersburg homicide
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
