Police hunt for suspect in Bradenton shooting death

BRADENTON -- Police are looking for the shooter believed responsible for killing a man outside a Bradenton home just after 1 p.m. Saturday, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

Witnesses report a suspect later identified as Bradenton resident Kelly B. McPherson, one week short of his 23rd birthday, walked up to the victim identified as Keyvis McCullough, 30, and shot him three times in the 700 block of 12th Avenue West.

Bradenton Police Department detectives are seeking McPherson, who should be considered armed and dangerous. The suspect will be charged with first-degree murder, according to BPD

"We are looking for a shooter," said Bradenton police Lt. James Racky.

Officers found McCullough on the ground with gunshot injuries. Emergency personnel arrived and began life-saving efforts. The victim was transported to Blake Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office homicide investigative unit is now working the case.

Georgia Clayton was inside her home when she heard three gunshots, she said.

"Someone else called 911," Clayton said. "It was all over and done by the time I came out."

Clayton said she didn't know the victim but was scared when she heard gunshots.

It's not the first time someone was murdered outside

Clayton's home.

"Same exact house, not far away," Racky said.

Zorry Jenkins Jr., 16, was shot to death just after 11 p.m. Dec. 13, 2014, while sitting outside the home. No one has been arrested in the case.

This is at least the 12th murder in Manatee County this year. Last year, there were eight murders through August on the way to a total of 17 for the year.

Anyone with any information about this case can call Bradenton detective Jim Curulla at 941-747-3011, ext. 2224, or remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous e-tip to manateecrimestoppers.com.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published September 5, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Police hunt for suspect in Bradenton shooting death."