On July 9, 2023, 18-year-old Nicholas Dickinson was found dead at his residence in the Pic Town Mobile Home Park in Bradenton, Florida. According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Dickinson died from "homicidal violence" after being shot once in the side of his chest during what appears to have been a shootout with another suspect or suspects. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., and his body was discovered by his roommate the next morning.
Investigations indicate that this was not a random shooting, and detectives believe that Dickinson may have known the individuals involved in the shooting and may have been expecting them to show up at his home. However, the motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
Following the incident, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office arrested a 16-year-old, identified as Emmanuel Ruiz, on charges of Manslaughter with a Firearm. Detectives believe that Dickinson knew the individual(s) involved in the shooting, although it has been clarified that Dickinson may not have been the intended target. Instead, the suspect was targeting the mobile home where Dickinson was present.
In addition to the arrest of Emmanuel Ruiz, detectives have also expressed interest in speaking with 17-year-old Victor Elwell of Bradenton regarding the homicide. Despite these developments, the case is still under investigation, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Darryl Davis.
