A Florida property magnate has been convicted of premeditated murder following the fatal shooting of a young man outside his shopping centre in Key West. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Garrett Hughes, was the son of a local high school football coach.
Deadly Confrontation After Super Bowl
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours following Super Bowl celebrations at the Conch Town Liquor & Lounge bar, located within a small mall owned by the defendant. Security footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing Hughes exiting the bar shortly after midnight.
Escalation Over Property Damage
Lloyd Preston Brewer III, a 60-year-old real estate tycoon, initially approached Hughes after witnessing him urinating on the side of the building. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated when Brewer returned to the scene with his firearm.
During police interrogation, Brewer claimed he acted in self-defence, stating: "He came at me in a threatening manner and appeared he was reaching for something on his side." The property owner described adopting a firing stance before shooting Hughes once in the torso.
Contradictory Evidence Leads to Conviction
Despite Brewer's claims that he feared for his life, witness testimony and security footage presented a different narrative to the Monroe County Circuit Court. The evidence contradicted the defendant's version of events, showing Hughes unarmed during the confrontation.
Chief Assistant Monroe County State Attorney Joseph Mansfield emphasised that Brewer had opportunities to disengage from the situation, stating: "Lloyd Brewer had the opportunity to disengage but chose instead to return to the confrontation armed and use deadly force."
Prosecution's Case and Sentencing
Major Crimes Assistant State Prosecutor Colleen Dunne characterised Brewer's actions as demonstrating "a conscious and deliberate decision to escalate a confrontation into deadly violence." She praised the courage of witnesses who testified, noting their contribution alongside clear video evidence ensured justice was served.
The jury reached their guilty verdict after just five hours of deliberation. Brewer now faces a mandatory life sentence for first-degree murder, though his defence attorney Jerome Ballarotto has announced plans to appeal the decision.
Community Impact and Aftermath
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Key West community, particularly affecting those connected to the local high school where Hughes's father coaches football. Friends who rushed to aid the young man were unable to save him, and he died en route to Lower Keys Medical Center.
Prosecutors highlighted that the case underscores the serious consequences of escalating conflicts, particularly when firearms are involved. The conviction represents a significant outcome in a case that blended property rights disputes with tragic interpersonal violence.
