Suspect in SW Fla slaying fatally shot by deputies

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a suspect in a slaying in southwest Florida has been killed in a shootout with deputies.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office says charges against Billy Ray Retherford were pending in the homicide investigation into the July 24 death of Debra Rose Striano. Detectives said Retherford and his nephew had targeted Striano's Fort Myers home seeking valuables inside.

Retherford's nephew has been arrested and charged with murder, home invasion robbery and destruction of evidence.

The sheriff's office says deputies located Retherford early Wednesday in North Fort Myers.

According to the sheriff's office, Retherford was armed and shots were fired. Authorities say Retherford died at the scene. No deputies were injured.

Sheriff Mike Scott says Retherford also was linked to a nearby slaying Tuesday evening. Additional details weren't immediately available.