Tarpon Springs Homicide: Suspect Search Under Way

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — The Tarpon Springs Police Department is looking for a man wanted in connection with a fatal Saturday morning shooting at the Sunbay Motel.

According to police, officers were called to the 57 W. Tarpon Ave. hotel around 4:30 a.m. When police arrived, they found Tarenzo Ladarius Smith, 27, a resident of the hotel, in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue pronounced Smith dead at the scene, an email from the agency said.

Police and K9s began looking for the shooter, but were not successful.

Police say they have identified the suspect as Fredrick Bentley, 39. Bentley also lives at the hotel, the email said.

The two men, police said, had gotten into an argument early Saturday morning. “During the argument, Bentley had apparently retrieved a firearm, returning to confront Smith,” the email said.

Police say Bentley was last seen wearing long white shorts, a white T-shirt, black-and-white shoes and a white ball cap. He stands between 5-foot-11 and 6-foot-1 police say. Bentley has a thin build and dreadlocks to his mid- to lower back. He also has gold teeth, a beard and tattoos, police say.

Bentley was released from state custody in 2003 after being convicted on resisting arrest with violence and armed robbery charges.

Police are actively searching for Bentley. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the agency at 727-938-2849.

Bentley faces a murder charge when captured.

Booking photo of Bentley from a prior arrest courtesy of the Tarpon Springs Police Department