After 11 months, arrest made in murder of Winter Haven musician Ralph Ameduri

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Police say they have made an arrest in the murder of a musician who was shot and killed outside of a Winter Haven bar almost a year ago.

Samuel Sweet, Jr., was indicted for murder, along with other charges.  Sweet was 17 at the time of the killing.

On September 10, 2011, Ralph Ameduri was filling in at bass guitar for the band known as Thomas Wynn & The Believers.  They were in the middle of their performance at Jessie's Bar when they stepped outside for a break.

That's when police say a man with a gun showed up to rob the men. Police say the robber shot Ameduri in the head and he later died at the hospital.

"He was a music man," said Shawn Gravitt, friend of Ameduri since the 90's. "He thoroughly enjoyed what he was doing."

The band he played with on Saturday and the band he belonged to, called The Legendary JC's, normally plays the Orlando circuit, but performed frequently in Polk County.

"Ralph was super warm-hearted, easy going guy," said Gravitt. "You didn't mind seeing him, you didn't mind giving him a hug, and he didn't mind taking a hug or giving a hug."

Winter Haven Police say a tip came in weeks ago regarding a car used in the crime.  They found the car, which led them to Sweet.

He was originally arrested Thursday morning on a burglary charge.  Police have since added 4 counts of attempted armed robbery with a firearm and the murder charge.

"A 45-year old man lost his life for no reason whatsoever, other than a few bucks," Gravitt said. "And if the man would have asked, I’m sure every one of them would have given him a buck."

Friends say that's the kind of person Ameduri was, someone with a "natural big heart."