FORT PIERCE – A 19-year-old man was arrested July 6 in connection with the May slaying of a Fort Pierce woman in Fort Lauderdale, according to Fort Lauderdale police.
Myrah Zeigler, 19, died after being taken to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale after police found her May 19 in the roadway with a gunshot wound.
Police in Fort Lauderdale identified Larry Smith as a suspect in the case. He was detained July 6 during a traffic stop and was arrested on a warrant in connection with the case.
According to Broward County Clerk of Court records, Smith, of Lauderhill, was arrested on a murder in second degree with firearm charge.
Fort Lauderdale Police did not immediately release information about how Smith was identified as a suspect in the incident or any evidence police have.
Casey Liening, public information specialist with Fort Lauderdale Police, stated via e-mail July 8 she had no further information to provide.
Investigators reported the slaying happened about 4:30 a.m. May 19 at 900 Southwest 16th Street. The address is about 110 miles from Fort Pierce.
“A group of adults were involved in a disturbance which escalated into a physical altercation,” Fort Lauderdale Police stated. “An unknown individual produced a handgun and shot an adult female.”
In an interview in the Fort Pierce area shortly after the shooting, Char’keria Zeigler, 25, said she’s one of Myrah Zeigler’s six siblings.
“She’s a sweet, very outgoing person … very fun, like the center of attention,” Char’keria Zeigler said.
Char’keria Zeigler said she spoke to her sister every day, and described her as a “beautiful girl.” She said Myrah Zeigler enjoyed doing hair, makeup and going shopping in her free time.
“I just want justice for my sister because she didn’t deserve it,” Char’keria Zeigler said. “Nobody deserved to die like that.”
Char’keria Zeigler thought Myrah Zeigler was at a party or gathering at an Airbnb at the time.
“They got around the wrong crowd that night at the wrong timing,” Char’keria Zeigler said. “They got caught in the crossfire.”
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Arrest made in slaying of 19-year-old woman from Fort Pierce
Reporting by Will Greenlee, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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