St. Petersburg Man Arrested for Third Degree Murder (25-084)

CLEARWATER – Detectives assigned to the Robbery & Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in unincorporated Clearwater.

On July 23, 2025, at approximately 5:35 p.m., deputies responded to the area of 5346 Laurel Place in unincorporated Clearwater after a 911 caller stated a male had been shot and was lying on the ground. When deputies arrived on scene, they located the victim, 15-year-old Ahmad Albayati, in the street suffering from a gunshot wound. Albayati was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Albayati had been conversing with the suspect, 19-year-old James Acosta, to purchase a firearm. During the interaction, Acosta shot Albayati, striking him in the back and upper chest. Acosta fled the scene prior to deputies arriving.

Detectives located Acosta and took him into custody. He was charged with Murder in the Third Degree, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device, and Furnishing a Firearm to a Minor. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Additional Information: 
Ahmad Albayati (Victim - Deceased)
DOB: 9/18/2009
Address: 15250 Verona Avenue, Largo

James Acosta (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 8/4/2005
Address: 785 South Village Drive, Apartment 101, St. Petersburg
Charge: Murder in the Third Degree, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device, and Furnishing a Firearm to a Minor