Who: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Operations Bureau -Robbery/ Homicide Unit Kenneth Arthur Darling (Victim- Deceased) DOB: 07/10/1975 Address: 250 73rd Avenue, Apartment #8, St. Pete Beach Bruce Edward Wilson DOB: 09/27/1964 Address: Transient, St. Pete Beach Charges: 1 count of 2nd Degree Murder
What: Detectives have arrested a man for 2nd degree murder after he beat another man to death in St. Pete Beach.
When: The incident occurred at about 1:55 p.m. on September 15, 2016.
Where: The incident occurred at the west end of the 78th Avenue cul-de-sac, just west of Coquina Way, in St. Pete Beach.
How/Why: According to detectives, 41-year-old Kenneth Darling and 51-year-old Bruce Wilson were consuming alcohol together at the western most end of 78th Avenue, adjacent to Blind Pass.
Detectives say that Darling and Wilson got into a physical altercation and Wilson began beating Darling in the head with his fists. Witnesses told detectives that Wilson repeatedly struck Darling in the face six to seven times.
Deputies responded and found Darling lying on the ground unresponsive. Darling was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives interviewed Wilson at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Wilson was arrested without incident and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Wilson was charged with one count of 2nd degree murder.
Detectives believe that alcohol impairment was a factor.
Next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
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