Chief of Police
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 893-7550
police.stpete.org
NEWS RELEASE
Report number: 2026-009300
Fatal Fire Suspect Arrested
Release updated on 04-02-26 at 7:48 AM
On Monday, March 30th, St. Petersburg detectives issued a warrant for the arrest of Charles Chambliss III, for the deadly arson that occurred early Sunday, March 22nd, killing an 18-year-old girl and severely injuring a woman.
Charles Chambliss III turned himself in to the St. Petersburg Police Department on Wednesday, April 1st. He is charged with felony murder and three counts of attempted felony murder. His booking photo is below.
Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev will be available to the media today, April 2, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Petersburg Police Department Headquarters.
There were four people in the home, 3963 Neptune Dr. SE, shortly after 3:30 a.m. on March 22nd, when Chambliss set fire to the car under the carport. The fire spread to the carport and the home. Chambliss lives nearby in the Coquina Key neighborhood and knows the family.
Eighteen-year-old Angelina Anderson died from her injuries. Her sister, 35-year-old Ashley Nero, remains hospitalized in stable condition with serious burn injuries. Her two sons, a teenager and an 11-year-old, were also in the home but were not hurt.
Also, on March 27th, the suspect's father, Charles Chambliss Jr, threw away clothing items in a dumpster behind a closed business. He knew the clothing items might be relevant to the ongoing arson investigation involving his son. He was charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Charles Chambliss III
Fatal Fire Ruled Arson
Release updated on 03-24-26 at 2:33 PM
After further investigation, detectives determined the cause of the fatal house fire at 3963 Neptune Dr. SE on Sunday, March 22, was arson.
We are asking anyone with information on a suspicious person or unusual activity around the time of the start of the fire at 3:18 a.m., to please contact the Police Department at 727-893-7780. Detectives are also interested in any video recordings or other information the public may have. You can also text SPPD + your tip to TIP411.
There were four people in the home at the time of the fire. Eighteen-year-old Angelina Anderson died from her injuries. A 35-year-old woman remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Thankfully, a teenager and a child who were in the home were not hurt.
Update: Suspicious Fatal Fire
Release posted on 03-23-26 at 9:52 AM
On Sunday, March 22, at 3:30 a.m., St. Petersburg Fire Rescue responded to a house fire in the 3900 block of Neptune Dr. SE.
There were four people in the home at the time of the fire. Eighteen-year-old Angelina Anderson died from her injuries. A 35-year-old woman is hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Two minors, who were also in the home, were treated in the hospital for smoke inhalation and released.
The cause of the fire is suspicious, and the St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating.
St. Petersburg Police Media Relations - (727) 893-7550
YOLANDA FERNANDEZ - Public Information Officer