St. Petersburg Police Press Release


ANTHONY HOLLOWAY
Chief of Police
1301 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

(727) 893-7550
police.stpete.org

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Report number: 2022-049456 and 2023-008379
Date of original release: 12-30-22

Shooting Victim Dies

Release updated on 03-03-23 at 5:42 p.m.

Third Arrest in December 29th Homicide

On March 3rd, St. Petersburg Police arrested Jeremiah Davis (DOB 11/3/2004) and charged him with 1st-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Zy'Kiquiro Lofton.

Davis is a 12th grader at Gibbs High School and he was arrested at dismissal today. When he was taken into custody officers found a handgun in his possession. Davis was also charged with possession of a weapon on school property.

Davis is the third suspect to be arrested in connection with this homicide.

Shortly after 9 p.m., on December 29th, Zy'Kiquiro Lofton was shot when he was walking near 9th Avenue South and 16th Street South.

The first suspect, DEONTE BISHOP (DOB 07/15/2005) was arrested on 12/30/22, and the second suspect DAVID MOORE (DOB 8/06/2004) was arrested on 02/14/23. Both were charged with 1st degree felony murder.

Report 2022-049456 and 2023-008379


Release updated on 02-15-23 at 10:44 a.m.

2nd Arrest in December 29th Homicide

On February 14th, St. Petersburg Police arrested David Moore (DOB 8/6/2004) and charged him with 1st-degree felony murder in the death of 15-year-old Zy'Kiquiro Lofton. He is the second suspect to be arrested in connection with this homicide.

Shortly after 9 p.m., on December 29th, Zy'Kiquiro Lofton was shot when he was walking near 9th Avenue South and 16th Street South. On December 30th, Deonte Bishop, age 17, was arrested and charged with 1st-degree felony murder.

David Moore

David Moore


Release updated on 12-30-22 at 4:04 p.m.

St. Petersburg Police detectives charged Deonte Bishop, age 17, with 1st Degree Felony Murder in the homicide of Zykiquiro Lofton shortly after 9 p.m. on December 29th.

Today, during the course of the investigation into the death of Zykiquiro Lofton, detectives were able to develop probable cause to charge Bishop.

Bishop had already been arrested hours earlier at 12:30 a.m., December 30th, on unrelated charges. Officers pulled over a car in a traffic stop, and Bishop was a passenger. At that time, he was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

"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.

This is still an ongoing investigation.


Release updated on 12-30-22 at 1:14 p.m.

Update: Reward Offered for Information on Homicide

There is a reward offered through Crime Stoppers of Pinellas for information on the murder of 15-year-old Zykiquiro Lofton. ( the spelling of his first name has been updated to remove the apostrophe) A photo of the victim is attached.

Anyone with information regarding this case, who wishes to remain anonymous, is eligible for a reward of up to $5000.

Please contact Crime Stoppers 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimstoppersofpinellas.org

Zy Lofton

Zy Lofton


Release posted on 12-30-22 at 8:12 a.m.

On December 29th, at 9:10 p.m., Zy'Kiquiro Lofton (DOB 1-18-07) was the victim of a shooting that occurred outside, near the 1500 block of 9th Avenue South. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

No one is in custody and no suspect information is available to release at this time.

Detectives are actively investigating this case.

Anyone with information should please call St. Petersburg Police 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your tip to TIP411.

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St. Petersburg Police Media Relations - (727) 893-7550
YOLANDA FERNANDEZ - Public Information Officer