Christopher Hilton, a 24-year-old male from Port St. Lucie, FL, was tragically killed on June 21, 2015. The incident occurred late Sunday night when Hilton was shot in the chest. His body was discovered behind 2714 Niagara Avenue in Fort Pierce, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by St. Lucie County Fire Rescue paramedics.
The investigation quickly led to the identification and arrest of two suspects.
Juantavias Jones, an 18-year-old male, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. Jones was identified as the individual who fired the fatal shot that killed Christopher Hilton. He surrendered to the St. Lucie County jail on Tuesday morning, following community pressure and information provided by local residents.
The second suspect, Derry Barron, a 21-year-old male, was arrested on charges of robbery and felony murder. Barron was found hiding in a closet at the Niagara Avenue address where the murder and robbery took place. Both suspects were held without bond until their court hearings.
The case drew significant attention from the community and law enforcement, with Sheriff Ken J. Mascara expressing gratitude for the community's assistance in providing crucial information that led to the arrests. The investigation highlighted the collaborative efforts between the police and the community in solving the case and bringing the perpetrators to justice.