Officer Charles Lee Eustes

Charles Lee Eustes

Officer Charles Eustes was shot and killed with his own weapon when he responded to a domestic disturbance on Seventh Avenue South.

When he arrived at the scene he heard a woman moaning inside of the house. He attempted to enter the house to check on her well-being but his path was blocked by a male subject. A struggle ensued and the man obtained control of Officer Eustes' service weapon before shooting him.

The 24-year-old man was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. On February 21st, 1969, the Florida Appeals Court reduced his conviction to second degree murder and ordered that he be re-sentenced. He was re-sentenced, but still to life. He was still in prison in 1980 and was to be released in 1982. No information about a release could be found.

Officer Eustes had served with the St. Petersburg Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife and two children.