Boy, 15, shot to death in St. Petersburg; 17-year-old charged

A 15-year-old boy was shot to death in St. Petersburg on Thursday night, and police announced on Friday that a 17-year-old was being charged in connection with the boy’s killing.

Zykiqurio Lofton was shot at 9:10 p.m. Thursday near the 1500 block of Ninth Avenue South. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, St. Petersburg police said.

On Friday afternoon police announced that they had arrested Deonte Bishop, 17, in connection with the slaying.

Police said Bishop was initially arrested at 12:30 a.m. Friday after officers pulled over a car in which he was a passenger. Bishop was arrested then on charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to sell, police said.

Police said they later developed enough evidence to add a first-degree murder charge against Bishop.

”Our detectives worked diligently around the clock to close this case,” police Chief Anthony Holloway said in a statement. “Although this is tragic for all involved, at least we were able to bring justice to the victim’s family.”

Police did not release any other details.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Zykiqurio Lofton’s name. An initial news release from St. Petersburg police had an incorrect spelling.