West Palm Beach, Fla. — A man has been arrested in connection with a double shooting that resulted in one fatalities and left another in critical condition. Hilbert “Coop” Ellerbe, 53, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder, following an incident that occurred late Thursday night.
Police received reports of the shooting shortly before 11:30 p.m. in the 1400 block of 13th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Richard Price, 41, was declared dead on the scene. A second victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Witnesses played a crucial role in helping law enforcement identify the suspect. They described a man on a scooter who was seen near the crime scene shortly after the shooting took place. Surveillance footage corroborated these observations, showing a man resembling the shooter lingering around police activity right after the incident.
Following leads, detectives traced Ellerbe to a residence in the 1300 block of North Tamarind Avenue, where they took him into custody. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail early Saturday morning and is currently being held without bond, according to court records.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to gather additional evidence and information regarding the circumstances of the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the incident, but community members have expressed concern over rising violence in the area.
Neighbors reported feeling unsettled after the shooting, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and community engagement. Local leaders are also calling for resources to address the issue of gun violence in the neighborhood.
Ellerbe’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, but the case is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds in the coming weeks. As the community grapples with this tragedy, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that may aid the investigation.