Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Office of the State Attorney
Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Pasco and Pinellas Counties

Deputy Yariel Mata                
Hire Date: 6/8/2012

Alton F. Witchard (Deceased)
DOB: 9/28/1978
Address: 7724 13^th Avenue South, St. Petersburg

What:
The State Attorney’s Office released the results of their investigation into a deputy involved shooting. The shooting was deemed justified.

When:
The shooting occurred at about 3:10 a.m. on May 7, 2016. The results of the SAO investigation were released on June 10, 2016.

Where:
The shooting occurred in the yard of a residence located at 2220 21^st Avenue South, in St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
The State Attorney’s Office released the results of their investigation into a deputy involved shooting that occurred in St. Petersburg on May 7, 2016.

State Attorney Bernie McCabe concluded in a document that was sent to Sheriff Gualtieri today, “it is the conclusion of the State Attorney’s Office that the death of Alton Witchard was the result of having been shot by Detective Yariel Mata of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office who was in the lawful performance of his legal duties and that the shooting was justifiable homicide, pursuant to Section 776.012 and 776.05 Florida Statutes.”