Breyon Pittman, a 22-year-old African American male from Bradenton, FL, was tragically found dead on November 17, 2018. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies discovered Breyon Pittman inside his car on 17th Street East near Memphis Road. Witnesses in the area heard multiple gunshots and saw the car crash into a ditch before calling 911. Upon arrival, deputies found Breyon Pittman deceased inside the vehicle.
Witnesses also reported seeing a suspect in a white shirt exit the passenger side of the car and flee the scene on foot.
The investigation into Breyon Pittman's death revealed that he had been fatally shot. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office sought the public's help in identifying and apprehending the suspect. A $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. Despite initial efforts, the investigation faced challenges due to the lack of detailed descriptions of the suspect.
In April 2019, significant progress was made when Arnell Elrod, a 35-year-old male, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the murder of Breyon Pittman. The arrest was made possible with the assistance of the Violent Crimes Task Force. Elrod was apprehended at his residence without incident. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office stated that witnesses had seen a black male in a white shirt exit the passenger side of the vehicle and flee on foot, which matched the description of Elrod.
The case proceeded to trial, and after a four-day trial, Arnell Elrod was found guilty of second-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. The conviction brought some measure of justice for the family and friends of Breyon Pittman, who had been deeply affected by his untimely death.
