Police make 2nd arrest in botched armed robbery that led to teen's shooting death in Winter Haven

A teen who Winter Haven police say shot and killed a 17-year-old who was trying to rob him now faces criminal charges, marking the second arrest connected to the case.

Robbery attempt leads to shooting

The backstory:

According to WHPD, an 18-year-old and the 17-year-old victim made arrangements with the teen suspect, who is also 17, to buy a cellphone on Monday, Jan. 27.

When the 17-year-old pulled in to the Abbey Lane Apartments that afternoon, police said he was attacked and pistol whipped before he opened fire, killing the 17-year-old victim.

A teen was shot and killed after Winter Haven police said another teen opened fire while being robbed.

A teen was shot and killed after Winter Haven police said another teen opened fire while being robbed.

Officers later arrested the surviving 18-year-old, Devonta Washington, Jr., on charges of second-degree murder, robbery with a firearm, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and tampering with physical evidence. WHPD said Washington admitted to helping arrange the robbery attempt.

Photo of Devonta Washington, Jr. Courtesy: Winter Haven Police Dept.

Photo of Devonta Washington, Jr. Courtesy: Winter Haven Police Dept.

Arrest of initial robbery victim

What we know:

Investigators said they found that the 17-year-old who fired the deadly shot in self-defense had a risk protection order against him for a previous incident in Polk County, which prohibits him from having a gun regardless of age.

Detectives also found that the teen suspect's license was suspended last July due to lack of school attendance.

The 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Friday, Jan. 31, on the following charges:

  • Violation of a risk protection order
  • Possession of a firearm by a minor
  • Driving while license suspended or revoked

What we don't know:

Police have not released the name of the 17-year-old victim who died in the shooting. 

NOTE: In Monday's news release from Winter Haven police on the 17-year-old suspect's arrest, officials originally said the shooting victim who died during this incident was 18 years old. They later sent a correction to FOX 13, saying the teen that died was 17. This story has been updated to reflect the department's correction. 

The Source: This story was written using information provided by the Winter Haven Police Department.

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