A man wanted for an Easter morning murder in Pinellas County, Florida, was apprehended at a Blountstown residence Wednesday afternoon.
John Curry IV, 22, of St. Petersburg, is accused of killing Tamika Lashond Mack, 24, a mother of two, during a home invasion the morning of April 8.
According to an article in the Tampa Bay Tribune, Curry and another suspect burst into Mack's home and began shooting. Mack was struck by bullets, became unresponsive and later died at an area hospital. Her friend, Tore V. Holley, 29, managed to escape during the shooting. Holley reportedly fled to a neighbor's house and called authorities.
St. Petersburg Police announced last week a warrant for first-degree murder had been obtained for Curry and a reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
Capt. Mark Mallory of the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office received a tip Wednesday that Curry was staying at the Boyd Street home of Dallas Muhammed. An arrest team, consisting of agents from the U.S. Marshal's Office, Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and Blountstown Police Department, was assembled. Surveillance was initiated on the residence and Sgt. Todd Wheetley spotted a Kia SUV believed to be the suspect’s vehicle leaving the home traveling north to SR 71. Sgt. Jared Nichols conducted a traffic stop, but Curry was not in the vehicle. One of the occupants stated Curry was at the home. Sgt. Nichols stayed with the vehicle and occupants while the arrest team surrounded the perimeter of the house. Dep. Marshal John Farrish and Lt. Eddie Dalton knocked on the door and announced the presence of law enforcement. Movement could be heard in the house. A man fitting Curry’s description opened the door and was ordered to the ground. Capt. Mallory asked his name and the man identified himself as John Curry. Capt. Mallory then advised a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Lt. Dalton asked if he knew why the warrant had been issued and Curry reportedly responded, “Murder.”
Other occupants at the residence were questioned and advised Curry arrived in town a few days ago, claiming he was just there for a visit.
Assisting in the apprehension of Curry were U.S. Deputy Marshals Glenn Miller and John Farrish, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Mark Mallory, Major Michael Bryant, Lt. Eddie Dalton. Lt. Adam Terry, Sgt. Jared Nichols, and Deputy John Scheetz, Blountstown Police Chief Rodney Smith, Lt. Tim Partridge, and Officer Leo Marlowe, and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Todd Wheetley.
Curry is in custody at the Calhoun County Jail.
