ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Pete Police Department has arrested a man in connection to the deadly St. Pete house fire that killed an 18-year-old and severely injured another.
St. Pete Deadly Arson Suspect Turns Himself In
According to officers, Charles Chambliss III, 18, turned himself in to the St. Pete Police Department on Wednesday, April 1.
Chambliss has been charged with felony murder and three counts of attempted felony murder.
Officials say Chambliss lives nearby in the Coquina Key neighborhood and knows the family.
Cameras recounted the crime
SPPD said cameras captured almost everything that led up to the fire, including the fire being started itself.
Officials say on the day before the fire, Chambliss visited the house and knew one of the 17-year-old victims.
Chambliss then returned around 3:30 a.m., captured on doorbell footage, and allegedly started the fire. Cameras recorded a man, identified as Chambliss, walking into the carport of the victims' home, and smoke starting under the car. Officials thanked their program, Eagle Eye, that helped them string together video evidence of the arson.
On Monday, March 30, detectives issued a warrant for the arrest of Chambliss.
When detectives located Chambliss, they worked with the family for Chambliss to turn himself in.
Officials say Chambliss has a string of property crimes, mainly relating to auto thefts in his juvenile years.
The backstory:
According to officials, four people were home on Sunday, March 22 at 3963 Neptune Dr. Southeast when Chambliss allegedly set fire to the car under the carport around 3:30 a.m.
Courtesy: Troy Kane.
The fire spread to the carport and into the home. Eighteen-year-old Angelina Anderson died from her injuries.
Her sister, 35-year-old Ashley Nero, remains hospitalized with serious burn injuries.
Nero’s two sons, a 17-year-old and an 11-year-old, were also in the home but were not hurt.
Suspect’s Father Charged with Tampering with Evidence
The suspect’s father, Charles Chambliss Jr, is charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Chambliss Jr. allegedly threw away clothing items on March 27 that may have been relevant to the investigation. Additionally, investigators say the father made incriminating statements over the weekend in relation to the fire.
What we don't know:
Investigators are still trying to find a motive, as it seemed Chambliss was acquainted with the family. Officials are asking for more tips as the investigation continues. Anyone who has tips that could help in their investigation is asked to contact police at 727-893-7780.
Tipsters can also text SPPD + their tip to TIP411.
The Source: This article was written using information from the St. Pete Police Department.