Florida Man Who Said He Accidentally Shot Elderly Woman Has Manslaughter Charge Upgraded To Murder

A Florida man who called authorities on Wednesday to report he accidentally shot a woman has had his charge upgraded from manslaughter to pre-meditated first-degree murder with a firearm.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Michael Zammiello, 48, is now charged with murder following an investigation into the April 2 shooting that was originally reported to be an accident.

Zammiello called authorities at around 4 p.m. on April 2 to report a “possible accidental injury” at a home on the 4200 Block of Amber Ridge Lane in Valrico, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies arrived to find Shirley St. Pearre, 73, with a gunshot wound to her head. She was transported to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Zammiello told detectives he accidentally shot St. Pearre, and he was initially charged with manslaughter in what Sheriff Chad Chronister described Wednesday morning as “an entirely preventable tragedy.”

But later Wednesday, after an autopsy was performed by the medical examiner’s office, his charge was upgraded to murder.

“This was a senseless act of violence, and our detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure justice is served,” Chronister said. “The evidence uncovered in this investigation leaves no doubt about the suspect’s intent, and we will do everything in our power to hold him accountable for this horrific crime.”

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing.