News

Actions

Argument between friends leads to fatal shooting in St. Pete

Suspect arrested in Hillsborough
Posted
and last updated

St. Petersburg police officers and SPPD Major Crimes Unit detectives are investigating a homicide of an elderly man. 

Randal "Randy" Wright, 58, who lived at 7046 40th Avenue North, was found inside his home suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest at 4:16 p.m., according to officials. Paramedics transported Wright to St. Petersburg General Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Wright was shot by 55-year-old Johnny Alan Moore, Wright's friend that was temporarily living at the home, during some type of argument. 

Dennis Thomas lives across the street from Wright. He said Wright's wife warned him something bad was happening.

"She looked at me. She was standing by the door. She said, 'Dennis get back in your house. He's got a gun'," Thomas said.

Detectives said Moore regularly checked on Wright since he suffered a stroke a few years ago. Authorities said the two men played music together back in the day.

"It's the holiday season and to….we have a family now suffering and basically two lives ruined over an argument," Lt. Charles Coeyman with the St. Petersburg Police Department said.

After shooting Wright, Moore got into his 1981 motorhome and drove away. Members of the Tampa Police Department spotted Moore driving his motorhome near U.S. Hwy 301 and Dr. MLK Boulevard in Tampa where he was stopped and arrested.

At this time, detectives have not said what kind of charge or charges Moore may face in connection to the homicide investigation. 

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.