BARTOW, Fla. — PCSO said they arrested the suspect involved in the alleged murder of a 56-year-old Bartow man found in a "pool of blood" during a news conference on Monday morning.
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.
According to officials, Jeffery 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.
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.
Investigators spoke to residents at the apartment complex and learned that a resident, David Richard Morris, 48, had been aggressive toward other tenants. Another resident told investigators Morris had a confrontation with Blevins before he was killed.
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.
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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