A 30-year-old homeless man has been arrested in connection with a homicide at a tent encampment in St. Lucie County.The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office says Zachary Ryan Edwards, of Fort Pierce, is now facing a first-degree murder charge and fraudulent misuse of an EBT Card.Deputies first responded Monday to the 2600 block of Rolyat Street, near Okechobee Road and Interstate 95, after a person was found dead inside a tent. The medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide.Investigators say they identified Edwards as a suspect after interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video. A be-on-the-lookout alert was issued as deputies searched for him. At 10:15 p.m. Friday, Edwards was found in the 400 block of Brown Court and taken into custody without incident, according to the sheriff’s office.During the investigation, detectives said they gathered more evidence linking Edwards to the killing. The victim was identified as 63-year-old Carl Leonard Smith of Fort Pierce. In addition to the murder charge, Edwards is also facing a charge of fraudulent misuse of an EBT card. He is being held in the St. Lucie County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office. “This arrest is the result of relentless teamwork and coordination among our Patrol Operations Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Investigations Division, Crime Scene Unit, and supporting personnel,” Sheriff Richard Del Toro said. “I commend the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in bringing this case to a swift resolution. While an arrest has been made, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Carl Smith as they mourn this tragic loss. We remain committed to seeking justice on their behalf.”Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. —

A 30-year-old homeless man has been arrested in connection with a homicide at a tent encampment in St. Lucie County.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office says Zachary Ryan Edwards, of Fort Pierce, is now facing a first-degree murder charge and fraudulent misuse of an EBT Card.

Deputies first responded Monday to the 2600 block of Rolyat Street, near Okechobee Road and Interstate 95, after a person was found dead inside a tent.

The medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators say they identified Edwards as a suspect after interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video. A be-on-the-lookout alert was issued as deputies searched for him.

At 10:15 p.m. Friday, Edwards was found in the 400 block of Brown Court and taken into custody without incident, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the investigation, detectives said they gathered more evidence linking Edwards to the killing. The victim was identified as 63-year-old Carl Leonard Smith of Fort Pierce.

In addition to the murder charge, Edwards is also facing a charge of fraudulent misuse of an EBT card. He is being held in the St. Lucie County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.

“This arrest is the result of relentless teamwork and coordination among our Patrol Operations Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Investigations Division, Crime Scene Unit, and supporting personnel,” Sheriff Richard Del Toro said. “I commend the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in bringing this case to a swift resolution. While an arrest has been made, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Carl Smith as they mourn this tragic loss. We remain committed to seeking justice on their behalf.”

Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.