PENSACOLA, FL. (THECOUNT) — A murder suspect sought in connection with the July 5 fatal shooting of Phillip Sheppard Jr., 19, was found dead Thursday morning as law enforcement officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a Pensacola apartment, according to the Pensacola Police Department. Authorities have not yet released the deceased suspect’s identity pending notification of family members.
Pensacola is located in Florida’s western Panhandle along the Gulf Coast. The incident occurred at the Truman Arms apartment complex as officers sought to arrest a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly Downtown Pensacola shooting.
According to Pensacola Police, officers, members of the U.S. Marshals Service, and representatives from the State Attorney’s Office arrived at the apartment Thursday morning to serve a warrant related to the murder investigation.
Police said gunshots were heard from inside the apartment before officers attempted to enter.
“Before police attempted to enter the apartment, shots were fired inside the apartment, none of which were fired by police,” the Pensacola Police Department said in a statement.
Authorities said officers later entered the residence and discovered the suspect deceased inside.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Pensacola Police said the suspect’s name is being withheld until relatives can be notified.
The warrant was related to the July 5 shooting death of Sheppard, who was fatally shot in the Downtown Pensacola entertainment district on Palafox Street at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Authorities said six other people suffered gunshot injuries during the incident.
Investigators have previously arrested Nicholas Safford, 26, Kanye Dewayne Walker, 16, and Lillian Meyers, 25, in connection with the broader investigation. Police said none of the three have been charged with Sheppard’s murder.
The Pensacola Police Department continues to investigate both the homicide and Thursday’s death of the suspect.
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