St. Pete police investigate shooting death of 11-year-old boy

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — City police are investigating the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy.

Police responded to reports of a shooting just before 10 p.m. Thursday in the 4200 block of 11th Avenue South.

When officers arrived, they found 11-year-old Veondre Hargrove dead inside a home.

Hargrove was visiting a friend at a home with other young boys when an argument ensued, leaving the victim dead, according to St. Petersburg Police. There were three boys there.

It’s considered an isolated situation, and the public is not in harm, police said.

The suspect is a 14-year-old, according to police, who said he fled on foot. Due to our crime guidelines, Spectrum Bay News 9 will not name him unless he is charged as an adult.

The suspect and shooting victim knew each other, police said.

“Throughout their investigation, detectives figured out that essentially what happened was, was there was an argument between Hargrove and (suspect) that ended up escalating into what ultimately ended in gun violence,” said Ashley Limardo of St. Petersburg police.

Limardo said the incident underscores the need for adults to be vigilant about the security of their guns.

“I can only imagine how difficult it would be for all the friends and everyone else that was involved,” she said. “It’s a tragedy all around. That’s why it’s important to have (suspect) come and talk to us and tell us his side of the story.” 

A spokesperson for Pinellas County Schools said she could not release the name of the victim’s school because of privacy laws.

Counselors will be at that school next week to support students and staff.