Andrew Michael Sanders, a 20-year-old male, was found dead in Pensacola, Florida, on April 24, 2025. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office reported that Sanders had been identified as a missing person on April 24, and his body was discovered the following day inside a vehicle parked in an open field on Currier Place. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Authorities believe the incident was drug-related, as Sanders had allegedly arranged to sell a pound of marijuana to an individual named Antonio Larkins.
Investigators determined that Sanders had entered the backseat of a gray Chevy Malibu on Washburn Street to meet with Larkins. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot from inside the vehicle before it sped away. Sanders' friend, who had accompanied him to the location, attempted to follow the Malibu in a separate car but lost sight of it. Later, deputies located the vehicle abandoned in a field, with Sanders' body inside.
Law enforcement officials arrested two suspects in connection with the homicide: 21-year-old Michael Polnitz Jr. and 17-year-old Kaleb Bonner. Both were charged with homicide. Authorities also sought 19-year-old Antonio Larkins, who was believed to have played a role in the crime. Cell phone records obtained during the investigation indicated that Polnitz and Larkins were present at the scene of the shooting. The Malibu used in the incident was linked to Polnitz, who claimed it had been stolen from him.
The Escambia County Sheriff's Office continued its search for Larkins, who was later arrested on May 10, 2025. Officials stated that the shooting appeared to have resulted from an attempted robbery during the drug transaction. Witnesses described a struggle inside the vehicle before the fatal shot was fired. Authorities remained focused on gathering further evidence to ensure justice for Sanders and his family.
