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St. Pete officers go door-to-door searching for answers in recent murder investigations

Posted at 11:20 PM, Oct 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-25 03:41:56-04

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Police officers went door to door, Wednesday, in two neighborhoods where a total of four people were killed.

According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, each officer is expected to walk an hour each week in an area they patrol.

The officers came together to walk around the Campbell Park and 13th Street Heights neighborhoods Wednesday night where four people were murdered in nearly 30 days. The chief walked with those officers along with Councilwoman Driscoll.

“If you see anything suspicious…. just… you can text us,” Officer Vaughn Murphy said to one resident. 

Chief Anthony Holloway said 14 of the 18 homicides in the city this past year were solved thanks to help from the community.

The chief said they solved two out of the four murders that happened in the Campbell Park and 13th Street Heights neighborhoods because they spoke with people in those communities.

“We got out the next day and started walking in the neighborhood and we got information on those suspects and we were able to close that case,” Chief Holloway said. 

Malik Oliver’s mother, Qwanda Anderson, said her son was one of the people tragically killed recently.

“I’m not going to never get over this. This is something that is going to stick with me for the rest of my life,” Anderson said.

Anderson said she is confident the door knocking will get someone to speak up about her son’s murder and other murders in the city. The chief said walking and talking to community members should help them get more tips on those cases. Officers handed people door hangers with important information, including the numbers to call with tips.

“Malik touched a lot of people’s heart. He was very loved by his family and friends,” Anderson said.