Teenager Surrenders To Sarasota Police Following Shooting

SARASOTA, FL -- A teenager surrendered to Sarasota police Monday hours after officials pleaded with him to do so in connection with the weekend shooting death of a fellow teenager.

James Griffin, Jr, 17, turned himself into the Juvenile Assessment Center in Manatee County on Monday afternoon, according to Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department.

She said Griffin turned himself in shortly before 2 p.m. to the facility, which is part of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

"Sarasota Police Detectives have probable cause for the arrest of Griffin following the death of a 17-year-old in the 1700 block of Gregg Court, Sarasota, on Sunday morning before 12:30 a.m.," according to Judge. "Griffin is facing felony charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child."

The slain teenager, who has not been identified by police, was found dead near a car in the around 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Judge said earlier Monday that detectives were aware of social media posts by Griffin and others that indicated the shooting may have been accidental.

"As far as a motive is concerned, and as far as why this shooting took place, that's all under investigation," Judge told reporters earlier outside police headquarters. "Our detectives are aware of the social media posts that have been posted by Griffin as well as other individuals in our community and we're looking into those posts."

She had said that Griffin was believed to be armed and dangerous.

She said the shooting has already affected the community.

"What's even more concerning is this involved two 17-year-olds," she explained. "It's very tragic what happened. Two families' worlds have been rocked in a matter of just a couple of days."

Watch below as Judge issued an urgent plea for Griffin to turn himself in hours before the teen surrendered Monday afternoon courtesy Sarasota Police Department: