***Update as of 11:30 p.m. on May 4, 2016*** Detectives Arrest Suspect For Felony Murder Who: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Operations Bureau - Robbery/ Homicide Unit Shane M. Kurucz DOB: 2/7/1975 Address: 5616 60th Way North, St. Petersburg Charges: One count of Felony Murder and one count of Violation of Probation (Sale/Manufacture/Delivery of Cocaine)
Why/How: Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Robbery/ Homicide Unit have arrested a man who they say participated in an armed robbery that resulted in Michael Biltoft’s death.
According to detectives, 28-year-old Michael Biltoft and 41-year-old Shane Kurucz drove to the residence located at 5800 66th Lane North, in unincorporated St. Petersburg with the intent of committing an armed robbery.
During the course of the armed robbery, Biltoft was shot by the resident and Kurucz fled the scene.
Biltoft suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was found by a neighbor lying on the ground in front of the residence.
Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to locate Kurucz and take him into custody.
Kurucz was charged with felony murder for his role in the armed robbery that resulted in Biltoft’s death. Kurucz was also on probation and was charged with violation of probation for a previous sale/manufacture/delivery of cocaine conviction.
Kurucz was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident. The identity of the resident who shot and killed Biltoft is not being released at this time.
This continues to be an open and ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time.
The investigation continues.
See original news release for more details.
********************** Original News Release************************
16-106 Detectives Conducting Murder Investigation In Unincorporated St. Petersburg
Who: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau - Robbery/ Homicide Unit
Michael A. Biltoft (Deceased) DOB: 8/29/1987 Address: 3736 41st Avenue North, St. Petersburg
What: Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are conducting a murder investigation where a man was found deceased outside a residence after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots.
When: Deputies responded to the residence at about 9:04 a.m. on Wednesday May 4, 2016.
Where: The incident occurred at a residence located at 5800 66th Lane North, in unincorporated St. Petersburg.
Why/How: Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence located at 5800 66th Lane North in unincorporated St. Petersburg, regarding reports of gunshots.
According to detectives, 28-year-old Michael Biltoft was found by a neighbor lying on the ground outside of the residence shortly after they heard the gunshots. When deputies arrived he was pronounced deceased at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.
Detectives say that they are still conducting interviews with witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding Biltoft’s death; however, they say that Biltoft did not reside at the residence where the incident occurred.
The next-of-kin of the deceased has been notified.
This continues to be an open and on-going investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Non Emergency Line: (727) 582-6200 | In an Emergency call 911ADA info