Suspect Arrested in Fatal Coquina Key Arson

18-year-old charged with felony murder and attempted felony murder in St. Petersburg house fire

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:58am

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St. Petersburg police have arrested 18-year-old Charles Chambliss III in connection with a fatal house fire in the Coquina Key neighborhood that left one person dead and another seriously injured. Chambliss is accused of intentionally setting a vehicle on fire under the carport, causing the flames to spread to the home.

Why it matters

Arson is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences, and this incident has shaken the Coquina Key community. The arrest of a suspect provides some closure, but the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive and any other potential accomplices.

The details

According to investigators, the fire began around 3:30 a.m. on March 22, 2026, at a residence located at 3963 Neptune Drive SE. 18-year-old Angelina Anderson died following the fire, and 35-year-old Ashley Nero sustained serious burn injuries and remains hospitalized. Two children, a teenager and an 11-year-old, were also inside the home but were not injured.

  • The fire occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m. on March 22, 2026.
  • Chambliss was arrested on April 1, 2026 after turning himself in to police.
  • Chambliss' father, Charles Chambliss Jr., 46, was arrested on March 27, 2026 for tampering with physical evidence.

The players

Charles Chambliss III

An 18-year-old resident of the Coquina Key area who is accused of setting the fatal house fire.

Angelina Anderson

An 18-year-old who died following the house fire.

Ashley Nero

A 35-year-old who sustained serious burn injuries and remains hospitalized.

Charles Chambliss Jr.

The 46-year-old father of Charles Chambliss III, who was arrested for tampering with physical evidence related to the investigation.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Charles Chambliss III.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of arson and the importance of thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice. The Coquina Key community will need to come together to heal and find ways to improve public safety and prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.