WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A swift and coordinated investigation by the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) has led to the arrest of 53-year-old Hilbert “Coop” Ellerbe, just 24 hours after a deadly shooting left 41-year-old Richard Price dead and another victim seriously injured.
The shooting occurred Thursday night around 11 p.m. in the 1400 block of 13th Street, an area that residents say has struggled with sporadic incidents of gun violence over the years. According to WPBPD, officers responding to multiple 911 calls found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Richard Price was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second, unidentified victim was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains in serious condition.
Through witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence, investigators were able to quickly identify Ellerbe as the prime suspect. Authorities say he was taken into custody without incident Friday afternoon. Ellerbe now faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
WPBPD spokesperson Sgt. David Lefleur credited the rapid resolution of the case to both community cooperation and relentless police work. “This was a senseless act of violence that took a man’s life and nearly claimed another. Thanks to the tips we received and the hard work of our officers and detectives, we were able to apprehend the suspect before he could harm anyone else,” Lefleur said.
Neighbors in the area expressed both relief at the arrest and frustration over ongoing violence in their community. “I’m glad they caught him so fast,” one resident told reporters. “But we need more patrols out here. It shouldn’t take someone dying for action to be taken.”
Court records indicate that Ellerbe has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for violent offenses. Prosecutors have stated their intent to pursue the case aggressively, citing the severity of the charges and Ellerbe’s past record.
As the investigation continues, WPBPD is urging anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in building a stronger case for prosecution.
Funeral arrangements for Richard Price have not yet been announced, but friends and family have begun to organize a candlelight vigil in his memory, honoring a life cut short by what many are calling a preventable tragedy.
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