FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has disclosed the identity of the individual responsible for the killing of a 16-year-old boy on July 17.
The suspect, Elijha McArthur, who is 19 years old, was apprehended on the same day around 8:10 p.m. after authorities located a gray 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, which was connected to the shooting.
Two days later, on July 19, CBS12 News reported on the tragic incident involving the victim, Vontreaz Banner, who was fatally shot outside his home on Juanita Ave.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office promptly responded to the scene where the 16-year-old was found with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at Lawnwood Medical Center.
Banner’s mother shared with CBS12 News that her son was a student at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy High School. She described him as a bright and compassionate young man who had a passion for playing basketball.
To honor the memory of Vontreaz Banner, a vigil was held at 2604 Juanita Ave in Fort Pierce from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, followed by a balloon release and fish fry at the location of the shooting at 6:30 p.m.
According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, this isn’t the first time McArthur has been in trouble with the law. He was previously arrested by the Fort Pierce Police Department on October 4, 2016, for burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, and he was found guilty of the crime on April 7, 2017.
Furthermore, on June 22, 2023, McArthur was arrested again by the Fort Pierce Police Department for carrying a concealed firearm and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.
