According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, a Valrico man, Michael Zammiello, 48, now faces a charge of premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm following a homicide investigation.
The incident began on April 2, 2025, at 4 p.m., when Zammiello called HCSO’s Communication Center to report an accidental injury at a residence in the 4200 block of Amber Ridge Lane. Deputies arrived to find Shirley St. Pearre, 73, with a gunshot wound to her head. She was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced deceased.
Zammiello admitted to detectives that he accidentally shot St. Pearre inside the home and was initially arrested on one count of manslaughter with a weapon. Following an autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, April 3, the charges were upgraded. Sheriff Chad Chronister called it a “senseless act of violence” and a “heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy,” stating that detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure justice, with evidence leaving no doubt about Zammiello’s intent. The investigation remains ongoing. Nothing further at this time.
