Man arrested, charged for Thanksgiving triple shooting in Stuart

Police say they have finally charged the person responsible for the triple shooting that took place on Thanksgiving Day.

In an announcement on Thursday evening, the Stuart Police Department said Lonnie Bee Smalls III, 19, was responsible for the fatal shooting that took place at the intersection of SE 10th Street and SE Spruce Avenue at about 7:40 p.m. on Nov. 24.

Mattie Lou Jones, 73, was killed in the hail of gunfire. And two others in a car, apparently targeted by the shooter, were wounded.

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Investigators said Smalls was identified as a suspect one and a half hours after the shooting and arrested on a Violation of Probation charge six hours after the shooting. He was held in the jail without bond since. 

It wasn't until a month later, that investigators said Smalls was formally charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder. Multiple search warrants were executed, and the Martin County Sheriff's Office assisted the Stuart Police Department in the arrest, while helping detectives gather evidence from the crime.

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Multiple technological investigative techniques and laboratory forensics were used in the case. Investigators said Smalls used a handgun to shoot numerous rounds at the victims.

"This arrest brings me some closure, and I hope some closure for the Jones family," Chief Joseph Tumminelli said. "The Stuart Police Department is continuing with the investigation, and more information will be available in the future. I would like to thank the public for your patience and understanding in this case. 

Criminals do not have rules, but law enforcement investigators do. I am optimistic that there will be more to follow."

The investigation is ongoing, more information may be released at a later time.