DeBARY, Fla. – Deputies said they were able to arrest a man suspected of fatally shooting someone at a DeBary IHOP after a reward of $5,000 was posted for information on his location.
Investigators said they believe the suspect, Sammy McKnight, Jr., 31, was responsible for the shooting last Friday that killed 36-year-old DeBary resident James Shirley.
[TRENDING: Disney Wish cruise ship arrives at Port Canaveral | Gas prices drop in Florida. How low will they go? | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Deputies said they were able to locate a vehicle they believe may have been involved in the shooting Friday evening. The Cadillac CTS sedan was found in the Daytona Beach area, according to investigators.
Investigators believe McKnight shot and killed Shirley after a fight outside the restaurant.
Investigators spoke with News 6 about the details surrounding the shooting Tuesday after a reward for $5,000 was posted for information on McKnight’s whereabouts.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said deputies were able to take McKnight into custody Tuesday evening after someone called in with information about McKnight that led to the arrest. He also stated the informant will be receiving the $5,000 posted reward.
McKnight faces second-degree murder charges for the shooting. Deputies added McKnight also had five warrants for crimes out of Brevard County, including drug possession, DUI and having a firearm as a convicted felon.
McKnight appeared before a judge Wednesday and is being held without bond.
We have murder suspect Sammy McKnight Jr. in custody! Thank you @VolusiaSheriff detectives and @DaytonaBchPD CST for bringing him in. It took a foot chase. We had a $5K reward out and I’m ecstatic to say I’ll be handing a check the person who recognized our suspect and called! pic.twitter.com/6A1xO7WdIF
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) June 22, 2022