BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) announced Monday it arrested the suspect involved in the murder of a 56-year-old Bartow man found in a "pool of blood."
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker provided an update to the media on the "violent death" investigation during the news conference. Tampa Bay 28's Rebecca Petit is following up on coverage after the early stages of the investigation last week.
WATCH: Suspect arrested for murder of Bartow man found in 'pool of blood': PCSO
According to officials, Jeffrey Lee Blevins was outside of his apartment at the Fountain Place Apartments around 11 p.m. on March 26. Authorities said he was talking to his mother on the phone when she heard him fall to the ground.
“He is known by family and friends as being non-confrontational. He's easy going, he’s liked, and he’s just not a problem person,” said Judd.
PCSO said Blevins suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Investigators observed an entrance and exit wound on his head caused by a single bullet, and recovered a 9mm casing at the scene.
Neighbors I spoke with just hours after the shooting say it’s unusual for what’s typically a quiet neighborhood.
“I moved here from Lakeland hoping to get away from a lot of this crime and it’s surprising. It's always been peaceful and quiet,” said Steve Wright.
Investigators spoke to residents at the apartment complex and learned that a resident, 48-year-old David Richard Morris, had been aggressive toward other tenants.
“He has been described to us as a conspiracy theorist. He’s what they call a Flat Earther. He still doesn’t believe the earth is round,” said Judd.
Another resident told investigators Morris had a confrontation with Blevins before he was killed.
“He described David Richard Morris as a suspicious guy that when he was high on meth would brag about his gun,” said Judd.
Deputies obtained a search warrant for Morris' apartment and found the 9mm handgun in Morris' bedroom closet, which appeared to have blood on it. They also said they found clothing and a towel that appeared to have blood stains. During the search, Morris allegedly refused to remain seated and interfered with detectives by yelling at them.
“Why in the world he decided to shoot this guy we don't know because he did lawyer up. It’s still unknown to us, ” Judd said.
PCSO arrested Morris and charged him with resisting and interfering with a traffic control device, second-degree murder without premeditation, and discharging a firearm in a residential area.
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