Man Charged in Early Morning Homicide

Police have arrested a person suspected in a Tuesday morning homicide at 46th Street and 22nd Avenue South.

Troy Charles, 48, of St. Petersburg is in custody for the shooting death of 41 year-old Samuel Harper.

At approximately 2:40 a.m., Harper's girlfriend called police. She was present at the time of the shooting at 4698 22nd Avenue South. When police arrived, they found Harper in the bedroom. He had a single gunshot wound to the head, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:52 a.m.

According to the girlfriend and a second witness present at the scene, Charles entered the residence via an unlocked door and began to argue with Harper. The reason of the argument was not clear.

Charles then produced a handgun, firing once at Harper. Charles fled the scene before police arrived.

Officers later located Charles at his home in the Back to Life Rehabilitation Center at 2211 44th Street South, where he also works as a coordinator. Police recovered a handgun from the location, but are not sure it was the one used to shoot Harper.

Police did not find a gun at the scene of the shooting.

In February, St. Petersburg police arrested Harper and a second person suspected of burglary at the Back to Life Center, where Harper works. So far, police are unsure if there is any link to today's killing.

Charles was charged with first-degree murder and is now being held at the Pinellas County Jail.