FORT PIERCE — A 35-year-old woman who managed a Fort Pierce pawn shop was shot to death Tuesday night, and a 20-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing, police said Wednesday.
Fort Pierce officers responded to Cash Out Gold and Silver at 4603 South U.S. Highway 1 just after 7 p.m. Tuesday on reports of a woman lying on the floor with blood around her, authorities said.
Investigators determined that two men entered the business. One of them shot the manager multiple times before the pair fled, police said.
Landen Julian Ballard of Vero Beach was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon in Fort Pierce, Police Chief David Smith said during a news conference. Ballard faces charges of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and violation of probation.
Police tracked the suspect’s route to an area off Interstate 95, where they found a discarded gun magazine and firearm, Smith said.
The chief said there is no indication the victim and suspect knew each other. Officers are still trying to identify the second man who was in the store.
The victim’s name was not released. She lived in Palm Beach County. An employee from another store location called 911 after becoming concerned when the manager could not be reached by phone, Smith said.
The shop remained closed on Wednesday, with a sign on the door stating it would remain shut until further notice.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-462-6800.