Richard Eugene Avery, 45, of Fort Pierce, Florida, was found dead inside a home at 604 South Market Avenue on March 9, 2020 after deputies from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of gunfire just before 1 p.m. Investigators determined Avery had been shot and was already deceased when deputies arrived.

Three days later, on March 12, 2020, Sheriff Ken Mascara announced the arrest of 38-year-old Mikeal Sapp on a charge of first-degree murder. Authorities say the identification and arrest followed neighborhood tips and security camera footage from a nearby business that captured a dark-colored, newer model car leaving the scene shortly after the shot was heard. The investigation included canvassing for witnesses and reviewing the footage to reconstruct events.

Anyone who knew Richard Avery or has information about the shooting, the vehicle seen near 604 South Market Avenue, or other details is asked to come forward.