2nd-Degree Murder Charge Filed In Mom's Death In Car With Kids

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Detectives arrested a 20-year-old man on a second-degree murder charge in the fatal shooting of K'Mia Simmons, St. Petersburg Police said.

Tyron Jackasal is accused of shooting the 21-year-old mother as she sat in a car with her two children in the 1800 block of 22nd Street South on March 30. Jackasal was already in jail facing a robbery charge, according to officers.

Simmons was a passenger in the car the children's father drove when she was shot at 6:15 p.m. on 22nd Street South at 18th Avenue South. St. Pete police said the gunfire was intended for the driver, Parise Lovett Jr.

Investigators said the victim protected her 1-year-old child as she held her in her arms during the shooting. The second child who was in the backseat was saved by how she was positioned in her booster seat that the bullet went right through, according to police.

St. Petersburg police said they are grateful for everyone who sent in tips to help with the investigation.

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