Suspect Arrested in Shooting Death of Jerome Smith in St. Petersburg
Detectives with the St. Petersburg Police Department have arrested Corey Deron Battle, 47, in connection with the fatal shooting of Jerome Smith, 44. Battle faces a charge of second-degree murder following a dispute that turned deadly at Smith’s home late last week.
Police were called to the 800 block of 21st Avenue South around 8:47 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, after a neighbor discovered Smith bleeding inside his residence. Responding officers found that Smith had been shot but was still alive. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition until succumbing to his injuries on November 2.
According to investigators, Smith and Battle were acquaintances who became involved in an argument at Smith’s home that escalated into violence. Detectives were able to identify Battle as the suspect through their ongoing investigation, leading to his arrest.
Friends and loved ones have taken to social media expressing heartbreak and anger over Smith’s death, describing him as a devoted father and community member. “You took someone from their kids for no reason,” one post read, while others called for justice and offered condolences to his grieving family.
Police say the case remains an active investigation under report number 2025-037212. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact St. Petersburg Police.
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