Third Suspect Nabbed in Escambia County Homicide, Investigation Unearths Gang Ties

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (BuzzReport) – In a decisive move, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a third suspect, 19-year-old Antonio Larkins, in connection with the April 25th homicide of 20-year-old Andrew Sanders. This arrest underscores the Sheriff’s Office’s unwavering commitment to bringing all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice.

According to investigators, Larkins orchestrated the events that led to Sanders’ death, initiating a drug deal under false pretenses that quickly spiraled into a robbery. The arrest report reveals that a 17-year-old, Kaleb Bonner, ultimately fired the fatal shot.

Details emerging from the investigation point to a disturbing web of criminal activity, potentially involving local gangs. On April 24th, the day before Sanders’ body was discovered, a resident on Washburn Street reported a violent altercation inside a Chevy Malibu, complete with audible banging and a gunshot. While deputies found no immediate evidence at the scene, the incident foreshadowed the tragedy to come.

Just hours later, investigators discovered Sanders’ body in the back seat of the same Malibu, abandoned in an empty lot. Michael Polnitz, 21, was swiftly charged with murder, followed by Bonner, who turned himself in. Now, with Larkins in custody, the Sheriff’s Office is piecing together a clearer picture of the events leading to Sanders’ death.

The investigation also uncovered that Sanders was attempting to sell a pound of marijuana. Larkins’ identification was aided by his active presence on social media platforms, including a YouTube channel under the pseudonym “Tony4x” and a Facebook profile under the name “Tony Swampside,” further solidifying his connection to the crime and potential gang affiliations.

Sheriff Chip Simmons confirmed the existence of the “Swampside Gang” in the Washburn Street area, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. While the Sheriff doesn’t believe the homicide was a direct result of gang activity, he assured the public that every lead is being thoroughly investigated. “It was a drug deal gone bad is what we believe it was,” stated Simmons. “We put the information out there because we thoroughly investigate everything.”

The case highlights a disturbing trend of youth crime, compounded by reckless access to firearms. The report reveals that Bonner, the alleged shooter, was arrested less than a week prior to the homicide with a stolen 9mm handgun – believed to be the murder weapon – and a bag of marijuana matching the victim’s.

Sheriff Simmons minced no words regarding the responsibility of individuals involved in such high-risk behavior. “We can talk about parenting, we can talk about social issues,” he asserted. “But the bottom line is these people getting involved in this high-risk behavior, they know what they’re getting into and they know that there’s a risk. They’re accountable for their own actions.”

Polnitz initially attempted to mislead investigators by reporting the Chevy Malibu stolen on the day of the crime. However, cell phone data exposed his presence in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

Larkins is currently being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond on one count of homicide. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that all those responsible for Sanders’ death face the full weight of the law.