Palm Harbor Man Arrested for First Degree Murder After Shooting (25-083)

PALM HARBOR – Detectives assigned to the Robbery & Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in Palm Harbor.

On July 18, 2025, at approximately 5:57 a.m., deputies responded to 3944 Country Place Lane in Palm Harbor after a 911 caller stated they had heard a gunshot and found a male lying on the ground. When deputies arrived on scene, they located the victim, 19-year-old Antonio Williams, in the parking lot of the complex suffering from a gunshot wound to his neck. Williams was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Williams was hanging out at an apartment in the complex with friends. An altercation ensued; therefore, Williams left the apartment through the front door. Detectives say 33-year-old Aaron Sawyer was at the apartment and involved in the altercation. When Williams exited the apartment, Sawyer retrieved a gun from a safe, exited through the front door, and fired a single shot toward Williams, striking him in the neck. Sawyer fled the scene prior to deputies arriving.

Detectives located Sawyer and took him into custody. He was charged with Murder in the First Degree and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Additional Information: 
Antonio Williams (Victim - Deceased)
DOB: 5/6/2006
Address: 1624 S. Jefferson Avenue, Clearwater

Aaron Devon Sawyer (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 12/15/1991
Address: 3952 Meadowbreeze Court #49, Palm Harbor
Charge: Murder in the First Degree