Zykiqurio "Zy" Lofton, a 15-year-old from Saint Petersburg, Florida, tragically lost his life on December 29, 2022. Zy was visiting his family for the holidays when he was shot near the Citrus Grove Apartments. The incident occurred just after 9 p.m. while Zy was walking in the area of 9th Avenue South and 16th Street South. Despite his efforts to seek help by running towards a nearby gas station, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Zy was known to be a fighter, a sentiment echoed by his mother, Jessica Lofton, who described him as her best friend and the oldest of her five children.
The investigation into Zy's death revealed that he was targeted by his assailant. The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Deonte Bishop, was arrested shortly after the incident. Bishop, who knew Zy, was charged with first-degree felony murder. The police believe that the motive behind the shooting was personal, as the two teenagers were acquainted. Bishop was already facing charges from a previous incident involving the death of 87-year-old Denry Gayle, for which he was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and operating a motor vehicle without a license involving death.
Further developments in the case led to the arrest of two additional suspects. On February 14, 2023, David Moore, another teenager, was arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder in connection with Zy's death. A third suspect, Jeremiah Davis, was apprehended on March 3, 2023, and also charged with first-degree murder. Davis, a 12th grader at Gibbs High School, was found in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest. The arrests of these individuals highlight the collaborative efforts of the St. Petersburg Police Department to bring justice to Zy's family.
The case remains an ongoing investigation, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and build their case against the suspects. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation, with a reward being offered through Crime Stoppers of Pinellas. The tragic loss of Zykiqurio Lofton has left a profound impact on his family and the community, as they seek closure and justice for the young life that was senselessly taken away.
