Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/ Homicide Unit

Kenneth Arthur Darling (Victim- Deceased)
DOB: 07/10/1975
Address: 250 73rd Avenue, Apartment #8, St. Pete Beach

Bruce Edward Wilson
DOB: 09/27/1964
Address: Transient, St. Pete Beach
Charges: 1 count of 2^nd Degree Murder

What:
Detectives have arrested a man for 2^nd degree murder after he beat another man to death in St. Pete Beach.

When:
The incident occurred at about 1:55 p.m. on September 15, 2016.

Where:
The incident occurred at the west end of the 78^th Avenue cul-de-sac, just west of Coquina Way, in St. Pete Beach.

How/Why:
According to detectives, 41-year-old Kenneth Darling and 51-year-old Bruce Wilson were consuming alcohol together at the western most end of 78^th Avenue, adjacent to Blind Pass.

Detectives say that Darling and Wilson got into a physical altercation and Wilson began beating Darling in the head with his fists. Witnesses told detectives that Wilson repeatedly struck Darling in the face six to seven times.

Deputies responded and found Darling lying on the ground unresponsive. Darling was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives interviewed Wilson at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Wilson was arrested without incident and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Wilson was charged with one count of 2^nd degree murder.

Detectives believe that alcohol impairment was a factor.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.