Owen Chance Melin was 22 and a senior psychology major at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg when he was killed during a home invasion on May 27, 2020. He was visiting friends at an apartment near campus at 458 4th Ave South when intruders entered the residence and shot him once in the chest. Police say the attack was not random and treated it as a targeted incident.

St. Petersburg police identified 19-year-old Joshua S. Pilley Jr. as a suspect after a fingerprint on a car in the driveway and a witness identification. Pilley Jr. was arrested on June 9, 2020 and initially charged with premeditated first-degree murder; that charge was adjusted to second-degree murder during suspension of grand jury proceedings, with the prosecution indicating an intent to seek first-degree charges once grand juries resumed. Authorities believe additional accomplices took part in the invasion, but details remain undisclosed.

Owen’s family has been in talks with the university about awarding him an honorary psychology degree in recognition of his academic work and impact. Does anyone who knew Owen or was in that area the night of May 27 have information that could help the investigation?