Records: Woman killed after orchestra rehearsal in Pinellas Park was suspect's landlord

PINELLAS PARK (FOX 13) - A man suspected of murdering a St. Petersburg woman may be in Alabama.

Pinellas Park police identified 45-year-old Siddeeq Ma'Shooq, also known as Steven Brooks of St. Petersburg, as the suspect who fatally shot 59-year-old Caroline Morton-Hicks after an orchestra rehearsal on February 12. 

Investigators said they located Ma'Shooq in Harvest, Alabama, Wednesday night. Local law enforcement and U.S. Marshal officials attempted to take him into custody on an arrest warrant, but he took an elderly couple hostage, according to Pinellas Park police

Eventually, they were released, and Ma'Shooq fled from the home and was last seen near Yarborough Road and Love Branch roads. Police said a manhunt in the area is underway. No specific address was given, or whether he knew the couple.

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In February, police said Morton-Hicks was attending a practice session with the Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, located at 4951 78th Avenue North, just before 10 p.m. After she left practice, police said she was involved in an altercation and was fatally shot. 

Court records show that Morton-Hicks was Ma'Shooq's landlord. 

An eviction notice filed after the murder shows he had fallen behind on rent. Detectives aren't saying if they are considering a financial dispute as a possible motive in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (256) 722-7181.