Police are investigating two similar home invasions that occurred early Tuesday in St. Petersburg, one of which left one of the residents dead.
Richard L. Shaw, 41, was killed early Tuesday morning after police said he was shot during one of the home invasions.
According to reports, Shaw and his adult son were in the home on Orpine Drive at 4:47 a.m. when a group of several armed suspects forced their way into the home while yelling "police, police."
Some of the home invasion was actually caught on tape right outside the victim's house. On it, four masked men, some of them with guns, are seen walking up to the house and kicking in the door, screaming the word ‘police’ several times.
Once inside, the suspects demanded drugs and cash, police said. At some point during the robbery, one of the suspects shot Shaw.
The suspects then fled the home after taking property.
Tragedy twice in one week
Shaw’s wife recently died. The memorial was supposed to be Tuesday.
"It's just awful," said Timothy Bidwell, a family friend, "that a guy like this has been through, his wife having cancer and everything like that and sticking by her and doing everything for his kids and trying to stick up for his kids and do the right thing and now this happens. And it's not right, it's not right."
Police say Shaw's adult son was home and is considered a witness.
Police say they aren't sure why Shaw has a security camera, but neighbors say Shaw was recently stabbed.
Police found nothing about that incident, but said there have been recent calls for service there, saying one of Shaw's sons reported an aggravated assault after someone he was having a dispute with drove by and pointed a gun at him.
Just a few days ago, police say the victim reported criminal mischief after his car was egged. It’s unclear if those calls have anything to do with the case.
Another home invasion earlier that morning
Police said the descriptions of the suspects matched those involved in a home invasion that happened 25 minutes earlier at a home on First Street North (police originally gave a different street).
Investigators said the couple who live in the home were asleep in bed when several armed suspects forced their way into their home while yelling "police, police," just as with the home invasion on Orpine Drive.
The suspects demanded cash and jewelry from the couple. One of the suspects punched the man several times and hit him in the head while they searched the home, police said.
The suspects left the home with several items, police said.
The man was treated at Bayfront Medical Center and released.
Similarities between two home invasions
Police said the same suspects appear to be responsible for both home invasions, given the close proximity of the homes, the general description of the suspects and the same method of entry.
Police said they also believe the victims were targeted for the crimes rather than selected randomly.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call 727-893-7780 or to remain anonymous, call the Tip Line at 727-892-5000.