Swift Detective Work Leads to Murder Arrest in Less Than 24 Hours

Published on August 23, 2025

Swift Detective Work Leads to Murder Arrest in Less Than 24 Hours

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (August 23, 2025) – The West Palm Beach Police Department arrested a double shooting suspect less than 24 hours after the crime.

Hilbert “Coop” Ellerbe, 53, was taken into custody on August 22 and charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Richard Price. He also faces charges of attempted first-degree murder for injuring a second victim and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Officers responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of 13th Street around 11:20 p.m. on August 21. They found two victims with gunshot wounds; one was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Witnesses described the shooter as a male with straight-back braids, wearing a white shirt and black shorts, and riding a black scooter. Surveillance video later showed a suspect matching that description near the scene shortly after the incident, observing police activity.

Detectives identified and tracked Ellerbe to a residence on the 1300 block of N. Tamarind Avenue, where he was arrested without incident.

“Our detectives acted swiftly and decisively to bring this violent offender into custody,” said Assistant Chief of Police Al Musco. “Gun violence will not be tolerated in West Palm Beach, and our department remains committed to protecting this community.”

Case no.: 20250012991

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Rachel Leitao

Public Information Officer

pdpio@wpb.org