Teen Murder-Suicide Linked to Firearm Found at Home While Residents Away

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (2-minute read) – Tragedy struck a St. Petersburg home on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers in a devastating shooting incident, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to a residence on Grove Park Avenue North at approximately 8:47 p.m. following a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered a 14-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, each with fatal head wounds. The girl died at the scene, while the boy was transported to a hospital where he later died at 10:16 p.m.

The investigation revealed that the 17-year-old was temporarily staying at the home to care for the homeowner’s dog during their absence. Early in the morning, he invited the girl and another female friend over, whom he had met a month earlier via a social media application. The gathering escalated with the addition of an 18-year-old friend and the consumption of alcohol and drugs, including marijuana and cocaine.

Tensions heightened when the 17-year-old began mishandling a firearm belonging to the homeowner. The situation deteriorated further following an argument about a prior sexual encounter, leading to the boy displaying the firearm aggressively. Amid the confrontation, he fatally shot the 14-year-old girl and then turned the firearm on himself.

Autopsies are scheduled, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths. The families of the deceased have been notified.

Firearm Safety Tip: Firearms should always be stored securely, ensuring they are not accessible to minors or anyone unauthorized, especially during gatherings or when the primary residents are not present.