Our network

Crime

Suspected arsonist back in jail on battery charge

St. Petersburg, Florida -- The 26-year-old woman recently suspected in a series of arsons in the Causeway Isles neighborhood is back behind bars -- this time for shoving her mother in front of police.

Woman sought in armed robbery, abduction

St. Petersburg, Florida -- St. Pete Police detectives are asking for the public's help identifying the woman wanted in connection with the armed robbery and abduction of a 55-year-old man and his ATM card.

The man told police the woman, whom he is mildly acquainted with, and a Hispanic man approached him outside his home in the 1700 block of 22nd Avenue North around 9 p.m. on April 21.

Suspect caught and victim identified in arson death

St. Petersburg, Florida -- St. Pete police have charged the person they believe was responsible for the suspicious fire that resulted in a man's death Wednesday evening, and identified the body found in the fire. 

Investigators have charged 60-year-old Daniel Papaleo, who lives as the home in question in the 1000 block of 13th Street North, with arson.

Serial arson suspect may never be charged

St. Petersburg, Florida -- St. Petersburg Police say Jessica Sowick is a "strong suspect" in the series of Causeway Isles arsons, but on Tuesday officials admitted the 26-year-old may never be charged in the cases.  

Police spokesperson Mike Puetz say arson cases are often difficult to prove since evidence is frequently destroyed in the fire and most arson fires are set at night, making eye witnesses difficult to find.

Wanted murder suspect found hiding in a crib

St. Petersburg, Florida -- St. Pete Police have finally caught the man wanted in connection with a drug deal gone bad that resulted in a woman -- caught in the crossfire -- being dropped off at the hospital where she later died.

Detectives have been looking for Hires since March 18 when they identified him as a suspect in the shooting that led to Felicia Vickers' death.

Suspected St. Pete serial arsonist arrested

St. Petersburg, Florida -- Causeway Isle residents may be able to rest easy as St. Pete Police detectives say they have a "strong suspect" in custody they believe is responsible for the six arsons and series of vandalism cases over the last year and a half that has plagued the neighborhood.

Man pleads guilty in fatal robbery

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (AP) - A Tampa Bay area man is facing a possible death sentence after pleading guilty to two murders.

Without a deal from prosecutors, 29-year-old Khadafy Mullens pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder. Pinellas County Judge Philip Federico will decide on his own whether to sentence Mullens to death or life in prison, without the usual recommendation from a jury.