Sgt. Gary Morales, St. Lucie County deputy killed, investigation turns to suspect Tisdale's home

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- - The focus of the investigation surrounding the shooting death of St. Lucie County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Gary Morales, turned on Thursday night to the apartment of the suspect.

As the sun began to set, investigators obtained a search warrant for an apartment near King Orange Drive and Mura Drive.

Deputies along with U.S. Marshalls enter the home of what is believed to be where Eriese Tisdale, 25, lived. The apartment is just two blocks from where investigators said Tisdale shot and killed Morales.

"Came home and turned on my TV and come to find out it was my neighbor and come to find it was just the next street over where this all took place," said Vincent McGahee, who lives feet away from the suspect.

McGahee said he has not seen Tisdale very much in the six months he estimated Tisdale has lived at the apartment.

"I've seen him like I said. Just waves, 'hi,' walks to the mail box, that's it," said McGahee.

McGahee said he has never had any issues with his neighbor and that Tisdale has always kept quiet.

"When I walked in I said, 'This is the home of a killer,'" said Sheriff Ken Mascara of St. Lucie County.

Sheriff Mascara said once inside the residence, his deputies found all sorts of what he called "illegal items."

"It gives me anyway some resolve into the state of mind this guy had because there's guns in there, more ammunition. It looks like he was not gainfully employed. There was drugs in there, said Sheriff Mascara.

Mascara said what he and his team are still searching for is a motive.

"He seemed like, looked like a nice guy," said McGahee. "But hey, looks can fool you."

Tisdale faces a charge of first degree murder, assault on an officer, fleeing and eluding and possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon.

The suspect is scheduled to appear before a judge for a bond hearing Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Sign the guest book for Sgt. Gary Morales http://bit.ly/WDwLit