21-112 ***UPDATE – Added Charges for Suspect*** Detectives Make Arrest in Homicide Investigation in Seminole
Homicide Investigation
***Update as of October 15, 2021***
PINELLAS COUNTY – On Friday, October 15, 2021, detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit have added additional charges to Elijah McCray.
Detectives have been able to confirm that, after firearm ballistics analysis, the firearm that was located in McCray’s bed matched a projectile fragment that was removed from the deceased victim.
Detectives have charged McCray with murder in the first degree and two counts of delinquent in possession of a firearm.
McCray’s booking image is below.
***End of update***
Original news release:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
Support Services Bureau
-Forensic Science Division
Eddie Lee Hoskins Jr. (Victim - Deceased)
DOB: 09/13/1966
Address: 7545 83rd Street North Apt. 203, Seminole
Elijah Iziah Dera’us McCray (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 05/24/2001
Address: 8305 76th Avenue North, Seminole
PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in Seminole.
According to detectives, at approximately 9:52 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021, deputies responded to the 8300 block of 75th Place North in Seminole after reports of shots fired.
Upon deputies’ arrival, it was discovered a 40-year-old male victim had been shot several times. The victims’ injuries were non-life threatening and he was transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect, who was not known, fled the scene and details were limited.
On Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at approximately 8:36 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 8400 Block of 75th Avenue North in Seminole after reports of shots fired.
When deputies arrived they found the victim, 55-year-old Eddie Hoskins Jr, had been shot multiple times. Hoskins was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Through various investigative techniques, the suspect was identified and located in the same neighborhood at 8305 76th Avenue North. Detectives determined that the victims from both shootings and the suspect have no relation and this was a random act.
Sheriff Gualtieri said, “This was a true public safety nightmare that was getting ready to unfold, but thanks to good old fashioned police work, technology, science, and good partnerships and cooperation through information between citizens and law enforcement, a murderer is off the street.”
McCray was arrested and later transported to the Sheriff’s Administration Building. McCray is charged with Resisting an Officer without Violence, Attempted First Degree Murder and, pending lab tests, will also be charged with First Degree Murder and Delinquent in Possession of a Firearm.
Next of kin has been notified.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference at the Sheriff’s Administration building today, October 14, 2021, which can be found here: https://youtu.be/KOXyQsqwTCg
The investigation continues.
A booking photo of McCray will be available once booking is complete.
