Detectives Seek 39-Year-Old Woman Believed to Have Witnessed Shooting

Manatee County Sheriff's deputies are asking the public's help in locating a 39-year-old Bradenton woman, Jody Pierce, who is believed to have witnessed a shooting that took place on Sept. 11. The victim eventually died from her injuries.

Sheriff's deputies were called to the 5800 block of 11th Street East just after 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 for a report of a shooting. They arrived to find 44-year-old Earnestine Gardner on the ground outside the home, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to Blake Hospital, where she died a few days later.

Detectives learned that a witness heard the shooter and Gardner arguing right before the shot was fired. Jody Pierce, 39, of Bradenton, is believed to be that witness.

The shooter was later identified as Alonzo Lee Churchwell, 29, of Bradenton. Churchwell was arrested on Sept. 15 and has been charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Churchwell had previously been released from prison in April of this year.

Detectives believe that Gardner and Churchwell were arguing over a drug transaction.

Anyone who may have any information about this shooting or about the whereabouts of Jody Pierce is asked to call Detective Darryl Davis of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011 ext. 2535.