Bradenton Teen Arrested in Death of Manatee High School Senior

The Bradenton Police Department announced that 16-year-old Santana Derion Davis has been arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the death of 17-year-old Demetrius Lightfoot Jr.

Police said the case remains under investigation.

According to investigators, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 10:15 p.m. Monday at a home in the 700 block of 12th Avenue West in Bradenton, where they found Demetrius deceased.

Earlier Tuesday, detectives said probable cause existed to arrest Davis regarding his suspected role in the homicide and asked for the public’s assistance in locating him. Davis was later taken into custody on Tuesday night.

Police identified the victim as Demetrius Lightfoot Jr., 17, with permission from his family. Investigators said Demetrius was a senior at Manatee High School and was expected to graduate this week.

The Bradenton Police Department said the circumstances surrounding Lightfoot’s death and Davis’s alleged involvement remain under investigation.

Police also confirmed that the Manatee County School District was notified of the investigation on Tuesday morning. The district has made crisis counselors and other resources available to support students affected by the loss of their classmate.