PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A 25-year-old man was arrested in Miami on Wednesday in connection to a man found shot dead at a state park in Port St. Lucie two months ago, police said.
Port St. Lucie police detectives, with the assistance of the Miami-Dade Police Department, arrested Jamal Jacques in the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man found dead at the Savannas Preserve State Park in August.
Police said on Aug. 8, Jacques, Emanuel Leatherwood, 21, and Vicky Santiesteban, 23, were traveling together in a car from Miami to Orlando. Leatherwood exited in Port St. Lucie to refuel the car, when Jacques shot the victim sitting next to him in the backseat, for unknown reasons.
Port St Lucie
Man shot dead at state park in Port St. Lucie
According to Port St. Lucie police, the group drove to Savannas Preserve State Park. Leatherwood and Santiesteban fled the area in their car, leaving behind Jacques and the 25-year-old victim, who was pronounced dead at the park. Jacques then called 911 and told police his friend shot the victim, which detectives later determined to be untrue.
Port St Lucie
Port St. Lucie police seek driver in fatal shooting at state park
Port St. Lucie police major crimes unit detectives obtained arrest warrants for all three suspects.
Leatherwood and Santiesteban were taken into custody last week in Miami and face accessory after the fact charges for their involvement in the crime.
Jacques faces a first-degree murder charge.