A suspect was arrested Wednesday and charged in the murder of Orlando musician Ralph Ameduri Jr. in Winter Haven in 2011.



Chief Gary Hester announced Samuel Sweet Jr., 18, was arrested for the murder and five additional charges: first-degree murder, four counts of attempted armed robbery with a firearm and one count of tampering with a firearm.



"We certainly are confident that this Samuel Sweet Jr was the thug that shot Mr. Ameduri," Hester said. "It was hard to be here in Winter Haven and not be aware of this crime -- of this vicious crime."

As officers led Sweet out of the police station, he continued walking and said nothing when asked if he had anything to say to Ameduri's family.



Sweet was booked into the Polk County Jail on Thursday evening. He was arrested Thursday morning at his home in southeastern Winter Haven.



A judge ordered Sweet held without bond on Friday morning.



Ameduri, 45, was fatally shot behind Jessie's Lounge in Winter Haven on Sept. 10, 2011. As he was taking a break from performing, a lone armed gunman attempted to rob several people, including Ameduri, who were gathered in the area.

The suspect fired one shot, striking Ameduri in the head. The suspect fled on foot toward 1st Street and had remained at large since the night of the shooting.

Officials said Sweet was 17 years old at the time of the murder, which they believe was a random act of violence.