St. Petersburg, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded in St. Petersburg over the weekend, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old man and the injury of a 17-year-old boy in a shooting incident on Saturday afternoon. The St. Petersburg Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of 80th Ave NE around 1:18 p.m., where they discovered two victims with gunshot wounds. Marcus Rivers was pronounced dead at the scene, with authorities notifying his next of kin. The 17-year-old boy, who sustained gunshot wounds, was promptly taken to Orlando Health Bayfront St. Petersburg Hospital for treatment and is expected to recover.
As investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement officials have yet to make any arrests and are diligently working to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic event. However, investigators have reason to believe that the victims were acquainted with the suspects behind the shooting. Assistant Police Chief Antonio Gilliam emphasized that while the incident is concerning for residents, it does not appear to have been a random act of violence. Rather, it seems to have been a targeted attack.
The search for the shooter in St. Petersburg intensifies as authorities seek to bring those responsible to justice. The community remains on edge following the violent incident, underscoring the importance of swift action in solving the case and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. In the midst of the ongoing investigation, the St. Petersburg Police Department continues to urge anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice.
In the wake of the tragic shooting, the community stands united in mourning the loss of Marcus Rivers and in support of the young boy as he recovers from his injuries. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased efforts to address and prevent acts of violence within the community, emphasizing the importance of coming together to promote peace and safety for all residents of St. Petersburg.