Stuart - Tuesday January 3, 2023: Authorities have arrested 19 year old Lonnie Bee Smalls III in connection with the Thanksgiving Day triple shooting and homicide that claimed the life of a 73 year-old grandmother, Mattie Lou Jones.
Jones was watching TV in her living room when she was struck by a stray bullet that came from gunfire outside. Investigators say Jones was an innocent person and not the intended target. Two others inside a vehicle outside Jones' home were shot and injured.
The shooting occurred on Thanksgiving Day November 24, 2022 near the intersection of Southeast 10th Street and Southeast Spruce Street in Stuart.
Smalls was initially arrested as a suspect six hours after the shooting. He was charged with violating his probation and remained in custody until December 22 when he was then charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Detectives from the Stuart Police Department, the Martin County Sheriff's Office, and surrounding Treasure Coast agencies all cooperated in the investigation.
"This arrest brings me some closure, and I hope some closure for the Jones family," said Chief Joseph Tumminelli. "The Stuart Police Department is continuing with the investigation .... I am optimistic that there will be more to follow."