Detectives Arrest St. Petersburg Man for First-Degree Murder (25-025)

ST. PETERSBURG – On December 15, 2024, at approximately 8:37 p.m., deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau responded to 5131 68th Street North in Unincorporated St. Petersburg for reports of a deceased adult male. The 911 caller, later identified as 53-year-old James Butler, advised that the victim was his tenant and lived in a detached shed on the property.

When deputies arrived, they located the victim, 32-year-old Aaron Reed, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Butler told detectives he had no idea who would want to harm Reed and advised he had just arrived home after being released from jail and found Reed deceased on the living room floor.

During their investigation, detectives located evidence linking Butler to the murder.

On March 6, 2025, detectives arrested and charged Butler with 1st Degree Murder. Butler was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Next of kin has been notified. 

The investigation continues.

Additional Information:

James Lee Butler (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 10/22/1971
Address: Transient
Charge: First-Degree Murder

Aaron Reed (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 02/18/1992
Address: 5131 68th Street North, St. Petersburg