Bradenton woke up to grim news early Sunday. Just before dawn in the 1400 block of 34th Avenue East, deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting that left 23-year-old Rickie Riddle III dead at the scene. Rickie was found with a gunshot wound around 3:45 a.m. and despite immediate efforts by deputies to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Investigators quickly identified 46-year-old Chadrick Hunter as the person of interest and took him into custody without incident. Hunter now faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities say Hunter and Rickie were known to each other and had been at the residence with several others before the shooting occurred.
At this point, detectives are still piecing together what led to the deadly confrontation. Officials say there is no known threat to the wider community, and the investigation remains active as deputies work to understand the full circumstances. Neighbors and family alike are shaken by the loss of a young life, and friends remember Rickie for his presence in the community and among those who knew him well.
Family members have begun to gather and share memories of Rickie, describing him as a young man with future potential, taken far too soon. The neighborhood is left grappling with questions as deputies ask anyone with information to come forward and assist in completing the picture of what unfolded in those early morning hours.
Chadrick Hunter’s arrest came without further violence, and he remains in custody as the legal process starts to unfold. The sheriff’s office has said that the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation and has not yet been released to the public.
In the quiet residential streets of Bradenton, Sunday’s events have stirred a mix of sorrow and calls for understanding. Friends and neighbors continue to process the sudden loss while officials continue to work through the investigation.
This early morning tragedy has brought into focus the fragility of life and the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to bring clarity and accountability to violent incidents in the community.
