16-Year-Old Pinellas Boy Held In Shooting Death Of Homeless Man

PINELLAS PARK, FL - A 16-year-old Pinellas Park boy is being held in connection with the shooting death of a homeless man. John Chesterfield Asch, 44, was shot while riding his bike in the 6600 block of 62nd Avenue North on Monday night, police said.

Asch of Kenneth City died Wednesday at a local hospital. The 16-year-old suspect was located Thursday afternoon and is now in custody. The teen has been charged with first-degree murder.

On Monday, police said the teen gave Asch money "for what is believed to be the purpose of buying beer" for him at a convenience store at the corner of 66th Street and 62nd Avenue. Asch rode away on his bike with the money. The teen chased down Asch and shot him in the head with a handgun.

Pinellas Park officers responded to a call about a bicycle accident at 7 p.m. Monday. The man was transported to a St. Petersburg hospital for treatment. Officers were later notified that he had suffered a single gunshot wound. He died two days later.

Detectives were able to locate the teen suspect Thursday afternoon about 2:50 p.m. and now have him in custody. He has been taken to the juvenile assessment center.

Photo via Shutterstock