ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A Wednesday night robbery attempt at a local duplex spiraled into a fatal shooting, leaving one suspect dead and another facing a litany of felony charges. St. Petersburg detectives confirmed that the violence broke out just before midnight on April 15th at a residence located at 863 14th Avenue South.
According to investigators, 46-year-old John Knight and 54-year-old Ronnie Dials entered the home at 11:49 p.m. with the intent to rob the resident.
Police described the incident as a robbery with “drug overtones.” During the encounter, an altercation physically broke out, leading to gunfire that struck both Dials and the person living at the duplex.
Responding officers found Dials dead at the scene. The resident, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries.
READ: Midnight Intruder Fatally Shot By Homeowner After Crashing Car Into St. Petersburg
Knight was taken into custody following the police investigation into the shooting. He now faces three counts: first-degree felony murder, attempted felony murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Under state law, a person can be charged with felony murder if a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, such as robbery, even if they did not pull the trigger themselves.
Police officials stated that this remains an active investigation as they piece together the final moments leading up to the gunfire. Knight is currently being held as the legal process moves forward.
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