Description
A teen is facing a murder charge for the shooting death of another teen Wednesday evening in Clearwater.
Pinellas County deputies responded just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to the area of Laurel Place off of 150th Avenue North after a 911 caller said a man had been shot and was lying on the ground.
They arrived to find a 15-year-old boy in the street suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said they learned the 15-year-old has been talking to 19-year-old James Acosta about buying a gun. During their interaction, deputies say Acosta shot the 15-year-old, hitting him in the back and upper chest.
Acosta reportedly fled the scene prior to deputies arriving. Deputies later found him and took him into custody.
Acosta was charged with third-degree murder, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and furnishing a firearm to a minor. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.