The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal overnight shooting in the Largo area.

  • Victim identified as 47-year-old Ricky Garland
  • Shooting happend just outside Largo city limits
  • Two children were found alone inside hotel room

Deputies were called out to the Andrea Cove Motel, just outside the city limits of Largo, where they found a man with multiple gun shot wounds. 

The shooting occurred around 10:47 p.m. in the parking lot of the motel. 

The victim, identified as Ricky Garland, 47, was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Deputies said witnesses were able to tell detectives very little about what happened, except that an uknown vehicle was seen leaving the area after the shooting.

Deputies said the small neighborhood motel where the shooting happened is well kept, and at this point, doesn’t appear to be a problem spot for crime or even a lot of complaints.

While searching for witnesses at the motel, deputies discovered two children, both under 3-years-old, locked inside a room alone. 

Deputies forced entry into the room to check on the children. They said the children are not related to the shooting victim. The children's mom was located nearby shortly afterwards. 

Deputies still aren't sure if they are related to the shooting or not. 

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.