PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla.- At about 12:02 a.m., on Saturday, deputies responded to a residence located at 227 Avery Ave., after several residents reported hearing a gunshot.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the victim, 36-year-old Ralph Edward Eddie’ Paulk III, with a life-threatening gunshot wound.
Detectives say there was a domestic argument upstairs at a residence between the victim and his 28-year-old brother, Alexander Michael Paulk.
According to detectives, the argument continued with both brothers coming outside and downstairs to the landing area of the staircase. As they were arguing, they were joined by their father, 61-year-old Ralph Edward Paulk Jr.
Detectives say during the argument, Alexander Paulk commented he had something for his brother and produced a handgun. Alexander fired one round into the lower abdomen of his older brother Eddie.
Detectives say Alexander immediately left the scene on foot but returned a short time later. When interviewed by detectives, Alexander claimed to not know about the incident.
Detectives arrested Alexander and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail. Alexander is charged with Attempted Murder.
The victim was transported to a local trauma center and remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The investigation continues.