Homicide Suspect Arrested, Victim ID'd

A domestic dispute between 32-year-old Michael Gene Espy and 24-year-old Jillian Leah Smith lead to Smith allegedly stabbing Espy to death with a knife. 

Smith has been charged with second-degree murder. 

According to St. Petersburg Police, during the argument Smith grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Espy in the upper torso. Espy was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Officers responded about 1 p.m. Dec. 13 to 6412 6th Ave. N. after receiving a call from Smith who informed 911 operators that a man had suffered a stab wound.

Smith and Espy have had a history of domestic disputes between them, to include 11 instances in the past year. That last incident occurred at the same address on Dec. 4, police said. 

According to Pinellas County Jail records, Espy had multiple prior arrests for charges of domestic violence and/or illegal drug charges.