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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Authorities in St. Petersburg are actively seeking a suspect who they allege deliberately ignited a blaze at a residence in Coquina Key, resulting in the tragic death of a young woman with autism.
Police reported that the suspect was last seen in the vicinity, dressed in dark apparel, raising concerns among the community as the individual remains at large over a week after the incident. Residents have voiced their unease about the continued presence of the perpetrator in their neighborhood.
“Our priority is to ensure the individual responsible is apprehended swiftly,” stated Ken Knight, the Public Information Specialist with the St. Petersburg Police Department.
The victim, 18-year-old Angelina Anderson, perished on March 22 when the fire engulfed her home. Neighbors described her as a compassionate and hopeful soul, deeply mourning her loss.
“It’s heartbreaking that such a young life was taken and that the person accountable is still free,” shared Denise Johnson, a nearby resident, reflecting the community’s distress over the senseless tragedy.
Neighbors also expressed concerns for their own safety.
“It can happen, you know, anywhere. Especially now that this person still hasn’t been caught yet,” David Carter said. “I think about, you know, safety for my family too.”
Another 35-year-old victim was hospitalized because of the fire, and according to a fundraising page by the family, it was Angelina’s older sister, Ashley. The St. Petersburg Police Department says her condition at the moment remains stable.
“There were some injuries, some serious injuries, but they were in stable condition. I am not aware of any changes,” Ken Knight said.
8 On Your Side asked the police if there were any other incidents related to this case.
Ken Knight said, “Everything seems to be isolated, and the public should not be concerned that there are any kind of, other situations going on in the area related to this.”