CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – On December 10th, 2020, Judge Howard sentenced 28-year-old Emery Whitt to 30-years in prison for the 2017 murder of Ryan McClellan.
Detective Richey and Sergeant Holloway, with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID), conducted a lengthy and thorough investigation, leading to Whitt’s arrest in 2018 for McClellan’s murder.
These detectives continued to work closely with the State Attorney’s Office over the course of the judicial process, ultimately resulting in today’s sentencing. This sentence comes just under two years after Whitt’s arrest.
“Whitt had no respect for human life and was a danger to the citizens of Citrus County,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Our deputies, detectives, and members of the State Attorney’s Office work in partnership to keep our streets safe, and this case is an example of that cooperation. It is our hope this prison sentence brings a sense of closure to McClellan’s family and loved ones”.