Suspect Arrested After Deadly Dispute Claims Life of St. Petersburg Man Jerome Smith
St. Petersburg, Florida — A quiet neighborhood was shaken late last week when what began as a heated dispute between two men ended in the tragic death of Jerome Smith, a 44-year-old lifelong resident known by many for his easy laugh and willingness to lend a hand. Police have since arrested Corey Deron Battle, age 47, charging him with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred inside Smith’s home.
Authorities with the St. Petersburg Police Department were called to the residence just before midnight after reports of gunfire in the area near 22nd Street South. When officers arrived, they found Jerome Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics rushed to perform life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. His death has left a family reeling and a community in disbelief over what police describe as a dispute that escalated far too quickly.
Investigators say the argument between Smith and Battle began earlier in the evening. While detectives have not released specific details about what the disagreement was over, sources close to the investigation suggest it may have been personal in nature. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing shouting before several gunshots rang out. When the noise stopped, Battle had already fled.
Within 48 hours, detectives tracked down the suspect. Corey Deron Battle was arrested without incident on the city’s south side. Police say the evidence linking him to the crime is strong, including witness statements and forensic findings recovered from the scene. Battle has since been booked into the Pinellas County Jail, where he remains held without bond pending his first court appearance.
For Jerome Smith’s family, the arrest brings only partial relief. His sister, speaking briefly outside their family home, described him as “the protector of everyone, the one who never wanted trouble.” She said Jerome worked in home maintenance and had lived in the same neighborhood for years. “He loved to cook, to host people, to laugh. He didn’t deserve to go this way,” she said tearfully.
Neighbors echoed similar sentiments. Many said Smith was a familiar face who looked out for others, often offering to fix things around the neighborhood or lend an ear when someone needed to talk. The idea that violence found its way into his home has left many unsettled. “We’re used to seeing Jerome sitting on the porch, waving to everyone,” one longtime neighbor said. “Now that porch is covered in police tape. It doesn’t feel real.”
The St. Petersburg Police Department’s homicide unit continues to piece together the full chain of events that led to the shooting. Detectives have confirmed that the weapon used in the crime has been recovered. Forensic analysis is ongoing, and officials have said additional charges could be filed depending on the results.
While Battle now faces serious prison time if convicted, for those who loved Jerome Smith, no legal outcome can fill the void his loss has left behind. A candlelight vigil is being planned by family and friends to honor his memory and to remind the community of the devastating cost of violence.
Police are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the department’s Major Crimes Unit or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
As the investigation continues, the small St. Petersburg neighborhood where the tragedy occurred is trying to heal — one conversation, one shared memory at a time. What remains clear is that Jerome Smith’s passing has left an indelible mark on those who knew him, and his name will be remembered not for the way he died, but for how he lived.
