FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has disclosed the identity of the individual responsible for killing a 16-year-old boy on July 17.
The suspect is Elijha McArthur, aged 19, who was apprehended on the same day at approximately 8:10 p.m. The arrest followed the discovery of a gray 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, which was linked to the shooting.
On July 19, CBS12 News reported on the tragic incident involving Vontreaz Banner, the 16-year-old boy who was fatally shot outside his home on Juanita Ave.
Upon reaching the scene, deputies found the teenager with gunshot wounds, and he passed away after being taken to 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 kind young man who had a passion for playing basketball.
In memory of Banner, a vigil was held at 2604 Juanita Ave in Fort Pierce from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Additionally, a balloon release and fish fry were scheduled at the location of the shooting at 6:30 p.m.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office revealed that this wasn’t McArthur’s first involvement with the law. On October 4, 2016, he was arrested by the Fort Pierce Police Department for burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and was found guilty of the crime on April 7, 2017.
Furthermore, on June 22, 2023, McArthur faced another arrest by the Fort Pierce Police Department for carrying a concealed firearm and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.
