The following vignettes describe the circumstances for killings not ruled self-defense by private individuals with permits to carry concealed handguns. The incidents below all occurred in Florida. The descriptions include the current, known status of any charges filed against the concealed carry killer as reported by news sources as well as noting instances where the perpetrator committed suicide.
The Violence Policy Center welcomes any new information regarding the status of any case (with verifiable source(s)). Use this link to contact the VPC: http://www.vpc.org/contact.htm.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Lloyd Preston Brewer PENDING
Date: February 13, 2023
People Killed: 1
Circumstances:On February 13, 2023, concealed handgun permit holder Lloyd Preston Brewer, 57, allegedly shot and killed Garrett Hughes, 21, outside a bar in Key West, Florida. According to news reports, Brewer was in the parking lot behind Conch Town Liquor & Bar when he noticed an allegedly drunk Hughes urinating on the side of a neighboring building. Brewer alleged that Hughes had “come at him” and claimed that he shot Hughes in self-defense. According to prosecutors, security footage of the incident does not back up that claim. Brewer has a criminal history which includes a 2021 domestic battery incident where he allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face and retrieved a gun from the kitchen pantry but did not fire it. Brewer was also arrested in Georgia in 2005 for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a gun by someone under a temporary restraining order. Brewer was charged with first degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and a violation of his concealed weapon permit for having a gun in a business where alcohol is served and consumed.
Source: “Accused shooter Preston Brewer indicted on 3 felonies,” keysweekly.com, June 14, 2023.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Bryan Riley PENDING
Date: September 5, 2021
People Killed: 4
Circumstances: On September 5, 2021, concealed handgun permit holder Bryan Riley, 33, allegedly shot and killed Justice Gleason, 40, an unidentified 64-year-old woman, an unidentified 33-year-old woman, and a three-month-old boy during a shooting rampage at a home in Lakeland, Florida. An 11-year-old girl was also wounded. Riley also allegedly shot the family’s dog. Sheriff’s deputies, Lakeland Police, SWAT, and other agencies responded to multiple 911 calls around 4:30 AM that morning about an active shooter. According to a police report “deputies came under attack” when they arrived on the scene. The Sheriff stated that 100 rounds were fired between Riley, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, and law enforcement. Riley was shot once, but no deputies were wounded. Gleason and the 33-year-old female were found inside the home, with the woman still holding the deceased infant. The 64-year-old woman, believed to be the baby’s grandmother, was found in a separate home behind the first house. The 11-year-old who was wounded said that she survived by playing dead and praying. The Sheriff said the crime scene was one of the worst he had ever seen and described Riley as “evil in the flesh.” After the shooting, Riley claimed he was on meth and a survivalist. Riley’s family said that he was an honorably discharged Marine sharpshooter who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and suffered from PTSD. Riley’s girlfriend said that he had been acting erratically over the past week after returning from his job as a security guard at an Orlando church, claiming that he could talk directly with God. Riley was charged with four counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted first degree murder, and seven counts of attempted first degree murder on a law enforcement officer.
UPDATE: In January 2022, the defense attorney for Bryan Riley was given a 90 day extension to file a notice of intent to claim insanity in Riley’s trial on multiple counts of murder. In April 2022, Riley’s attorney filed the intent to rely on a defense of insanity.
Source: “Lakeland family massacre suspect may use insanity defense, court filing shows,” wfla.com, April 20, 2022; “North Lakeland quadruple homicide: Bryan Riley’s defense gets extension to file intent to claim insanity,” theledger.com, January 11, 2022; “Sheriff: Chilling confession in Lakeland shooting rampage,” baynews9.com, September 8, 2021; “Polk Sheriff: ‘Shooting rampage’ in Lakeland left 4 dead, including a baby,” baynews9.com, September 5, 2021.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Corey Weedon PENDING
Date: August 1, 2020
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 1, 2020, concealed handgun permit holder Corey Weedon, 27, allegedly shot and killed an unidentified 27-year-old man while practicing “defensive scenarios.” Weedon and two other men had returned to a home from a local shooting range and were cleaning their guns when they began practicing “defensive scenarios,” according to the police report. Weedon told police they had emptied their guns to clean them, but “for unknown reasons he loaded the gun.” Weedon pointed the gun in the direction of the 27-year-old victim and allegedly pulled the trigger, shooting the victim in the chest. Weedon claimed he did not mean to shoot the person, saying he’d only owned his gun for about a month. Weedon took a six-hour training course and obtained a concealed weapon permit in July 2020. He told police he had smoked marijuana before the shooting. Witnesses told police they had not seen or heard the two men argue prior to the shooting. Weedon was charged with manslaughter.
Source: “St. Pete man shoot, kills man while ‘playing defensive scenarios,’ Pasco deputies say,” tampabay.com, August 5, 2020.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Yvonne Serrano PENDING
Date: November 23, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On November 23, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Yvonne Serrano, 51, allegedly shot and killed Daniela Tabares Maya, 21, outside her home in Coral Springs. According to an affidavit, Serrano and Maya were part of a group of acquaintances that went to see a movie before going to the World of Beer pub. Serrano and Maya were seen “conversing, laughing and drinking for several hours,” according to the court document. The pair were filmed by surveillance cameras leaving the pub together and additional footage showed them arriving at Serrano’s driveway around 2am. At 5:55am Serrano called police to say there was a dead woman in front of her home. Serrano initially told officers that she did not know Maya before admitting that she did. Police discovered Maya lying on her back with one foot hanging in the open door of her Nissan Kicks SUV with a gunshot wound through her forehead. Serrano initially told police that she had “blacked out” at World of Beer and had no idea how she got home when she woke up in her bed. She later told detectives that she woke up in the passenger seat of Maya’s car. Serrano has a concealed carry permit and owns three handguns, including a Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol which she told police she took with her to the pub. Blood was found on the Sig Sauer and its holster, and investigators say that Serrano had recently washed a dark tank top and deleted Ring video footage filmed on a smart doorbell. Serrano was charged with second degree murder and tampering with, or fabricating, physical evidence.
UPDATE: In March 2022, Yvonne Serrano was arrested due to “numerous program violations” at the 12 Step Fellowship Living Facilities center where she was being housed while awaiting trial. In June 2021, Serrano had been released from jail and moved to the live-in drug rehabilitation facility. Serrano is awaiting trial in the death of Daniela Tabares Maya on a reduced charge of manslaughter.
Source: “Accused Coral Springs Killer Rearrested for Bullying Roommates at Halfway House,” Coral Springs Talk, March 8, 2022; “Woman, 51, is arrested for ‘shooting dead woman, 21, after bar outing,’” dailymail.co.uk, November 25, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Andre Sinclair SHOT AND KILLED DURING INCIDENT
Date: June 7, 2019
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: On June 7, 2019 concealed handgun permit holder Andre Sinclair, 22, shot and killed Keith Byrne, 41, during a road rage incident in Davie, Florida. Byrne was on the phone with a friend while driving when he accidentally cut off a BMW driven by Sinclair’s girlfriend. According to the friend on the phone, Byrne wanted to apologize for the mistake at the next light. However, despite pleas from his girlfriend to stay in the car with her and their toddler daughter, Sinclair got out of his car and shot Byrne in the chest. Byrne, who was also a concealed handgun permit holder, fired back at Sinclair. Byrne died at the scene and Sinclair died of his injuries two days later. Police Sgt. Mark Leone called the incident “pointless and silly.” He added that if Sinclair had survived, the police would have identified him as the primary aggressor and charged him with murder.
Source: “He wanted to apologize for cutting off another driver. It turned into a deadly shootout,” sun-sentinel.com, June 12, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Muhammad Rakibul Haque PENDING
Date: May 20, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 20, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Muhammad Rakibul Haque, 42, allegedly shot and killed Rafat Saeed, 36, following a scuffle outside the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay. The shooting took place just outside the mosque’s parking lot following a Ramadan prayer service. A wrongful death suit was filed by Saeed’s family against the mosque and Haque. According to the lawsuit, Saeed and Haque knew each other prior to the shooting and reportedly “had been at odds for years.” On the day of the shooting Haque, who was a member of the Islamic Society’s congregation and a volunteer on its “security team,” stopped Saeed for speeding through the parking lot and the two men fought. Haque then shoved Saeed “face-first” to the ground and allegedly shot him twice in the back with a 9mm pistol. A preliminary medical examiner’s report confirmed that Saeed was killed by a bullet in the “left aspect of (Saeed’s) back.” The wrongful death suit seeks damages from the mosque because of “negligent retention, training, and supervision” of the “security team.” Haque was charged with second degree murder.
Source: “Arrest made in deadly shooting outside Tampa mosque,” Tampa Bay Times, June 30, 2019; “Tampa man was shot twice in the back in mosque melee, lawsuit says,” Tampa Bay Times, May 30, 2019..
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Ian Stefan CONVICTED
Date: February 5, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 5, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Ian Stefan, 26, allegedly shot and killed his neighbor Slobodan Jakovljevic, 68, during a dispute about an unleashed dog. Stefan was walking his dog through the Park Place Apartments complex without a leash when Jakovljevic confronted him about it. According to investigators, Stefan’s response upset Jakovljevic, who then charged at Stefan with his fists clenched. Stefan then pulled out his gun and allegedly shot Jakovljevic in the chest. According to a probable cause affidavit “no words or physical altercation ensued as Jakovljevic was moving toward Stefan.” Stefan claimed that he feared for his life when he pulled out his gun. Stefan was charged with second degree murder.
UPDATE: In November 2021, Ian Stefan pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a deadly weapon in the death of Slobodan Jakovljevic. Stefan was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was credited with 930 days of time served.
Source: “West Palm Beach man sentenced to 11 years in shooting death of neighbor over dog dispute,” The Palm Beach Post, November 11, 2021; “South Florida man arrested after fatally shooting neighbor during dog dispute,” local10.com, April 26, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Unidentified PENDING
Date: October 2, 2018
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On October 2, 2018, a concealed carry permit holder shot and killed Treyvis Gooch, 21, during a shootout near Altamonte Springs, Florida. The name of the man who shot Gooch has not been released but authorities said the suspect claimed he shot Gooch in self-defense after Gooch fired at him first. Authorities stated that the two men knew one another and that the shooting was not random. Both Gooch and the suspect had concealed carry permits. Commenting on the gunfight, Sheriff Dennis Lemma stated, “The real victims in this case are the people who live in the neighborhood: law-abiding citizens who should not be subject to shootouts.”
Source: “Man dies after shootout near Altamonte Springs – shooter claims self-defense, cops say,” orlandosentinel.com, October 3, 2018; “Man critically wounded in shooting near Altamonte Springs, sheriff says.” orlandosentinel.com, October 2, 2018.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Lucson Laguerre PENDING
Date: September 7, 2018
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On September 7, 2018, concealed carry permit holder Lucson Laguerre, 39, allegedly shot and killed Terrence Wilson, 22, in Lake Park, Florida. Laguerre initially told police that he had parked his SUV and left it running with his five-year-old daughter in the back seat as he went into a barber shop to pick up his 12-year-old son. According to Laguerre, Wilson jumped into the driver’s seat of the SUV and attempted to steal the vehicle. Fearing for his daughter’s safety, Laguerre said he opened fire at Wilson, killing him. Initially, no charges were filed. But later a surveillance video from a nearby business raised questions as to whether Laguerre’s daughter was ever in the car or if he had made that portion of his story up to justify the use of deadly force. Laguerre was arrested on manslaughter charges.
Source: “Man initially cleared in fatal shooting now arrested,” wpbf.com, November 1, 2018; “Man faces manslaughter charge in Lake Park fatal shooting,” The Palm Beach Post, October 31, 2018; “Man arrested for manslaughter after new video of shooting surfaces,” wptv.com, October 31, 2018.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Michael Drejka CONVICTED
Date: July 19, 2018
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On July 19, 2018, concealed handgun permit holder Michael Drejka, 47, allegedly shot and killed Markeis McGlockton, following an altercation in the parking lot outside a convenience store. McGlockton parked his vehicle in a handicapped parking space before going into the convenience store with his five-year-old son. While they were in the store, Drejka approached McGlockton’s girlfriend who was in the vehicle and yelled at her for parking in a handicapped spot without a permit. Surveillance footage shows McGlockton walking out of the store and shoving Drejka to the ground before Drejka pulled out a handgun and allegedly fired a single shot striking McGlockton in the chest. McGlockton died at a nearby hospital. Drejka claimed he acted in self defense and the local sheriff’s office initially declined to bring charges in the case, citing Florida’s “stand your ground” law. On August 13, 2018 Drejka was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
UPDATE: On August 23, 2019, Michael Drejka was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Markeis McGlockton. Drejka is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2019.
Source: “Jury finds Michael Drejka guilty of manslaughter in ‘stand your ground’ case,” cbsnews.com, August 24, 2019; “Florida man charged with manslaughter in ‘stand your ground’ shooting,” cbsnews.com, August 13, 2018.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Jonathan Oxendine PENDING
Date: June 23, 2018
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On June 23, 2018, concealed handgun permit holder Jonathan Oxendine, 23, allegedly shot and killed Darrell Jenkins on a street near RJ Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida. Oxendine identified himself as the shooter when law enforcement arrived at the scene. He turned over his gun and concealed weapon permit. Oxendine was arrested and charged with manslaughter on March 5, 2019, nine months after the shooting. He was booked in the St. Johns County Jail on a bond of $250,000.
Source: “St. Augustine man arrested for manslaughter had originally identified himself as shooter,” wokv.com, March 6, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Tyler Bardin CONVICTED
Date: December 28, 2017
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On December 28, 2017, concealed handgun permit holder Tyler Bardin, 22, allegedly shot and killed his mother’s boyfriend, Brian Vessel, 46. Bardin claims Vessel was abusive towards his mother, and killing Vessel was an act of self-defense. Bardin’s neighbor, Robert Colvin described his sense of dread when he learned that Bardin had acquired a gun, “I said, ‘This ain’t gonna be no good, not with Brian’s temper when he’s drinking….They had a fight before, but Tyler wasn’t carrying (a gun). He finally got one and I guess things came to a head last night.” Another neighbor, Demetrius Norfleet, said that in the two years he had lived there he had heard Bardin and Vessel argue frequently. On the night of the shooting, Norfleet said he was awakened by Vessel’s raised voice saying, “You want some of me?” Norfleet added, “The next thing I know – pop, pop, pop. About three shots.” According to authorities, deputies did a cursory search of the apartment before encountering a roughly 100 pound pit bull and securing the scene. Authorities believed Bardin was still in the apartment, and after attempting to make contact, saw him run out through the back door of the apartment. He was eventually taken into custody. Bardin was initially charged with one count of tampering with physical evidence, a felony, for allegedly disposing of the gun that was used in the shooting. On April 12, 2018, Bardin was charged with second degree murder.
UPDATE: In January 2020, Tyler Bardin pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of Brian Vessel and was sentenced to 10 years in jail.
Source: “Man accused of killing mom’s abusive boyfriend sentenced to 10 years,” fox13news.com, January 14, 2020; “Tampa man charged with murder in fatal shooting of mom’s boyfriend,” baynews9.com, April 13, 2018; “Tampa man disposed of gun after shooting, deputies say,” www.tbreporter.com, December 31, 2017.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Everett Miller CONVICTED
Date: August 18, 2017
People Killed: 2
Law Enforcement Officers Killed: 2
Circumstances: On August 18, 2017, concealed handgun permit holder Everett Miller, 45, allegedly shot and killed Kissimmee Police Officer Matthew Baxter, 27, and Sgt. Sam Howard, 36, following a scuffle. During a patrol, Baxter was “checking out” three people, including Miller, when the officer got into a scuffle with Miller. Sgt. Howard responded as backup. Miller allegedly shot and killed the two officers who did not have an opportunity to return fire. Sheriff’s deputies from a neighboring agency located Miller at a bar and approached him. When Miller reached for his waistband, the deputies tackled him and subdued him. Miller was carrying two handguns when he was arrested. Prior to the shooting, the Orlando Police Department warned its officers about Miller in a memo, saying he should be approached with caution. The memo said Miller was seen in a Facebook Live video in which he allegedly said, “If this cop comes out with his gun, I’m going to shoot me a cop.” According to the memo, Miller had a gun in the video and said, “No cop is going to get Glen Miller today.” Miller was charged with first degree murder in the death of Officer Baxter and is awaiting charges in the death of Sgt. Howard.
UPDATE: On September 11, 2019, Everett Miller was found guilty of first degree murder. On November 13, 2019, a jury recommended that Miller be sentenced to death.
Source: “Jury recommends execution for Marine veteran who ambushed and killed 2 Florida police officers,” taskandpurpose.com, November 14, 2019; “Everett Miller verdict: Guilty of 1st-degree murder in killing of 2 Kissimmee cops,” orlandosentinel.com, September 11, 2019; “Memo from OPD warned officers of alleged Kissimmee gunman,” WESH 2 News, August 21, 2017; “Suspect in Kissimmee police shooting is former Marine, records show,” cbsnews,com, August 20, 2017.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Clay Curtsinger CONVICTED
Date: July 7, 2017
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On July 7, 2017, concealed handgun permit holder Clay Curtsinger, 47, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend’s ex-husband Jack Radke. Radke and his ex-wife had been divorced for approximately four years. According to witnesses, Radke had parked his Ford van near a curb and was having a conversation with an acquaintance when they noticed a white Dodge Ram pick-up truck stopped near an intersection. Curtsinger then pulled the Dodge next to Radke and allegedly fired seven shots, six of which struck Radke. According to witnesses, the shooting happened within seconds and no words were exchanged between the two men. Curtsinger’s girlfriend told authorities that he had left the house in a rush shortly before the shooting and then quickly returned to retrieve his wallet, which contained his concealed weapons permit. Curtsinger told her that he had just shot her ex-husband and then ran back toward the scene of the shooting. Deputies said the evidence did not indicate self-defense since Radke did not have a gun and the two men did not interact before the shooting. According to the arrest affidavit, Curtsinger told police, “Well, let’s get this over with. The [Department of Veterans Affairs] will have a field day with you over this. I was defending myself.” Curtsinger was charged with first degree murder with a firearm.
UPDATE: On August 30, 2019, Clay Curtsinger pleaded nolo contendere and was adjudicated guilty of second degree murder with a firearm and sentenced to 246 months in prison with credit for two years and 54 days as time served.
Source: State of Florida v. Clay Anthony Curtsinger, case number 2017-CF-008639-A-O; “Man accused of fatally shooting girlfriend’s ex-husband,” clickorlando.com, July 10, 2017.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Esteban Santiago CONVICTED
Date: January 6, 2017
People Killed: 3
Circumstances: On January 6, 2017, concealed handgun permit holder Esteban Santiago, 26, allegedly opened fire in the baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport killing five and wounding six others. A witness said that the shooter reloaded his Walther 9mm pistol before running out of ammunition. The suspect then sat on the floor and waited to be arrested. The shooter had arrived on a Delta flight from Alaska and had his handgun in his checked baggage. Santiago reportedly had a history of mental health problems. Santiago was held on federal firearms and airport violence charges while awaiting formal charges to be filed.
UPDATE: On May 1, 2018, prosecutors announced they would not seek the death penalty against Esteban Santiago in exchange for his guilty plea in the January 2017 mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. In August 2018, the judge overseeing the case formally accepted the plea deal and Santiago was sentenced to five life sentences plus 120 years in prison.
Source: “Airport shooter Esteban Santiago sentenced to five life terms and 120 years in prison,” sun-sentinel.com, August 17, 2018; “Airport shooter Esteban Santiago to plead guilty, spend life in prison,” sun-sentinel.com, May 1, 2018; “Fort Lauderdale airport shooting suspect pleads not guilty,” local10.com, January 30, 2017; “Accused airport shooter Esteban Santiago told his maximum penalty ‘is death’,” Florida Sun Sentinel, January 9, 2017; “Esteban Santiago identified as gunman in Fort Lauderdale shooting,” New York Daily News, January 6, 2017.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Ashlyn Salomon CONVICTED
Date: August 23, 2016
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 23, 2016, concealed handgun permit holder Ashlyn Salomon, 26, shot and killed Jonathan Maciel, 34, his neighbor and the boyfriend of his girlfriend’s mother, Anna Calcagno. Maciel and Calcagno were arguing over another woman when Salomon became involved, leading to a scuffle between the two men. Maciel left, went to his apartment, and then returned, walking towards Salomon with one hand behind his back. Salomon, who stated that he believed Maciel had gone to get a gun, went to his car and retrieved his own gun, firing 17 shots at Maciel hitting him seven times, mostly in the back. Salomon claimed he acted in self-defense but was convicted of second degree murder with a firearm. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Source: “Fort Pierce man convicted of killing his neighbor sentenced to 25 years,” www.tcpalm.com, February 22, 2018.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Jeffrey Collie PENDING
Date: September 7, 2015
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On September 7, 2015, concealed handgun permit holder Jeffrey Collie, 71, allegedly shot and killed Ellyaher Ianza, 22, following a dispute outside a Winn-Dixie
in Dania Beach, Florida. According to a police report, Collie heard from a friend that someone may have hit his truck which was parked at the Winn-Dixie. Collie allegedly waited until Ianza came out of the Dollar Store near the Winn-Dixie. Collie then confronted Ianza and the two men struggled while Ianza’s friend went to call police. Collie claims that during the struggle, his gun misfired and struck Ianza once in the chest. Police said witnesses and surveillance video did not support his claim, and they believe Collie was the aggressor, first searching for Ianza, then confronting him and shooting him in the chest. Collie was arrested and charged with murder. Collie was able to obtain a concealed weapons permit despite a lengthy arrest record. Collie pleaded no contest to carrying a concealed weapon in 1987 and was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of child abuse the next year. He was also convicted on a marijuana charge in 2008 and was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, though that charge was later dropped.
Source: “Man accused in Dania Beach shooting arrested multiple times,” local10.com, September 11, 2015; “Man Charged With Murder in Fatal Shooting at Winn-Dixie Plaza in Dania Beach: BSO,” nbcmiami.com, September 8, 2015.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Jamie Brunette SUICIDE
Date: February 9, 2015
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 9, 2015, concealed handgun permit holder Jamie Brunette, 30, shot and killed herself with her Smith & Wesson .380 handgun that she had purchased about six months earlier. Brunette was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and served in Afghanistan from August 2012 to March 2013. She left active duty in June 2014 and became a Captain in the Air Force Reserve.
Source: “Tampa reservist’s suicide brings home tragedy,” Tampa Tribune, February 22, 2015.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Kevin Ahles UNINTENTIONAL
Date: January 21, 2015
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On January 21, 2015, concealed handgun permit holder Kevin Ahles, 23, left his two-year-old son Kaleb in his car while he was carrying boxes to help his family prepare for a move. Kaleb crawled across the front seat of the car and opened the glove compartment, where his father had left his .380 pistol that he carried for protection. Kaleb lifted the gun and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck him in the chest and he was pronounced dead at a nearby medical center. According to Kaleb’s grandfather, a retired Tampa Police detective, Kevin Ahles was aware of the rules of gun safety saying, “He was talked to a million times…He took the class and everything.”
Source: “Grandfather of toddler who shot himself: ‘Guns and kids don’t mix,’” Tampa Bay Times, January 22, 2015; “Pinellas toddler finds his father’s gun, kills himself,” Tampa Bay Times, January 21, 2015.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Thomas Chambers CONVICTED
Date: February 13, 2014
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 13, 2014, three-year-old Zuri Chambers picked up her father’s pistol which was left on a table near the entrance to the family home and, with the gun four to six inches from her face, unintentionally shot herself. She was airlifted to a local hospital where she died a short time later. Her father, concealed handgun permit holder Thomas Chambers, 41, was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child. According to police, Chambers said he left the gun on the table so he wouldn’t forget it when he left for work. Chambers told them he carries the gun to work for safety reasons. According to investigators, this was the third time his daughter had played with a gun she had found in the home. According to the arrest report, the girl’s mother told police she once woke up to her daughter pointing a gun at her. In another incident, the girl picked up a gun that was sitting on a laundry basket. According to police, Chambers did not believe his daughter was strong enough to pull the trigger of the pistol which had a 10-pound trigger pull. When officers conducted a walkthrough at the home following the shooting, they found a loaded pistol on top of a speaker in the Chambers’ bedroom next to a playpen and an unloaded shotgun in the closet. If convicted, Chambers faces up to 30 years in prison.
UPDATE: On November 18, 2014, Thomas Chambers pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the unintentional shooting death of his three-year-old daughter. Chambers was sentenced to 10 years probation, and was required to complete 120 community service hours per year, as well as speaking about gun safety four times per year to schools, church groups, or other organizations. If the terms of his probation are violated, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Source: “Former Lake Worth dad gets 10 years probation for accidental gunshot death of daughter, 3,” Sun Sentinel, November 18, 2014; “Cops: Girl, 3, shot herself in head with dad’s pistol,” hlntv.com, March 5, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Claudius Smith CONVICTED
Date: January 16, 2014
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On January 16, 2014, concealed handgun permit holder Claudius Smith, 32, allegedly shot and killed Ricardo Sanes, 21, with a 45 caliber handgun. According to news reports, Smith was with his girlfriend inside their home when, watching the video feed of the surveillance cameras they had for the house, she saw Sanes walking through their yard. Smith left the house to pursue Sanes, telling his girfriend to lock the doors and windows. Watching the video feed, she then saw him jump over a fence in pursuit of Sanes and heard several gunshots. When police arrived, they found Sanes dead, having been shot in the back and neck. Six 45 caliber shell casings surrounded his body. Smith claimed self-defense. Examing Sanes’ body, police found a Smith & Wesson .40 handgun in his pants, but stated that the firearm was so deep down in his pants “it was obvious it was never produced during the shooting.” Smith was charged with second-degree murder.
UPDATE: On February 5, 2015, Claudius Smith pleaded Nolo Contendere to manslaughter with a firearm, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Source: State of Florida v. Claudius Anglo Ricardo Smith, Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, in and for Orange County, Florida, Case No. 2014-CF-000661-A-O, myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com; “Police charge man in MetroWest fatal shooting,” Orlando Sentinel, January 17, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Michael Joseph Day CONVICTED
Date: January 3, 2014
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On January 3, 2014, concealed handgun permit holder Michael Joseph Day, 45, allegedly shot and killed Kendra Michelle Nagy, 33, with a .38 revolver before attempting to kill himself with the same gun. Day and Nagy had been in a relationship for three to four years, but had broken up and then reconciled shortly before the shooting. On the night of the shooting, Nagy and Day were at the Overtime Sports Bar where she worked, and Day was reportedly belittling her before she left without him. The next morning when Nagy didn’t show up for work, her co-workers went to her house where they encountered Day, bleeding from the head. According to police, a .38 revolver was found at the scene along with five spent shells. Nagy had been shot in the cheek at close range. According to medical personnel, Day was shot upward through the lower jaw with the bullet lodging in his head. Day is expected to recover. On January 7, 2014, Day was charged with murder.
UPDATE: In 2015, Michael Joseph Day pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of Kendra Nagy. In February 2016, Day was sentenced to life in prison.
Source: “Man receives life sentence for girlfriend’s murder,” news4jax.com, February 10, 2016; “Botched murder-suicide ends with arrest of 45-year-old Jacksonville man,” jacksonville.com, January 7, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Javier Burgos CONVICTED
Date: June 19, 2013
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: On June 19, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Javier Burgos shot and killed his supervisor Ted Orama, 56, and co-worker Christopher Marshall, 48, at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts where they all worked as custodians. Throughout the years before his death, Orama warned school officials and district police of Burgos’ behavior, saying the other custodians were “afraid to work alone with him.” In 2010, Burgos offered to sell a gun to another custodian. Police were contacted following the incident because of Burgos’ temper and tendency to argue with co-workers. Other complaints against Burgos included grabbing his crotch in front of a female co-worker, calling a co-worker a monkey, and challenging another co-worker to a fight. Burgos was arrested after four years on the run and an escape to Colombia. He eventually turned himself in, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, and was sentenced to two life terms in prison.
Source: “Former fugitive gets life in prison for 2013 Dreyfoos killings,” www.palmbeachpost.com, July 31, 2017; “Man linked to double Dreyfoos murders tried to sell gun to co-worker; other new allegations revealed,” www.palmbeachpost.com, June 25, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Joshua Henry UNINTENTIONAL
Date: December 1, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On December 1, 2013, while being “playful,” Erin Steele, 20, unintentionally shot and killed her boyfriend, Justin Holt, 22, with a pistol owned by concealed handgun permit holder Joshua Henry, 23, who was visiting at the apartment of his friend Madison Flint. According to news reports, earlier Henry had been showing Steele, Holt, and others how to pull the slide of the gun back and operate the unloaded weapon. After the group, who had been drinking, were done handling the gun, Henry put the ammunition magazine back into the weapon and placed the pistol in his waistband. When wearing it became uncomfortable, he placed the weapon on the counter without telling anyone that it was now loaded. When Steele saw the pistol on the kitchen counter, she assumed it was still unloaded, “pointed it toward Justin in a playful manner,” and pulled the trigger. Holt was hit in the chest with one round and was later pronounced dead at a local medical center. Earlier, when the group had been handling the gun, Henry had told them that “you always assume that the handgun is loaded.” Erin Steele and Joshua Henry both face charges of manslaughter by culpable negligence.
UPDATE: On February 11, 2016, manslaughter charges were dropped against Joshua Henry, with the judge in the case agreeing with the defense that the shooting was an accident.
Source: “Judge dismisses manslaughter charge in 2013 Boca shooting,” sunsentinel.com, February 17, 2016; “Boca Raton police: Girlfriend says she fatally shot boyfriend by accident, didn’t know gun was loaded, Palm Beach Post, February 19, 2014; “Erin Steele, Joshua Henry charged in Boca Raton shooting death last December,” www.wptv.com, February 14, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Christian Joseph McKenzie SHOT AND KILLED IN INCIDENT
Date: November 14, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On November 14, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Christian Joseph McKenzie, 21, was shot and killed with his own gun. According to McKenzie’s parents, he was last seen leaving their house on the morning of the shooting in his 1993 Toyota truck. Later that evening, police found his truck at the intersection of SW 232nd Street and SW 187th Avenue in Miami. The next morning, police found McKenzie’s body near a canal approximately 12 miles from his parents’ home. McKenzie had been shot in the upper torso. According to police, the area where McKenzie’s body was found was often used for target practice by young people. On January 23, 2015, police recovered McKenzie’s firearm and determined that he had been killed with his own gun. Physical evidence and witness statements led police to arrest Juan Salgado, 21, and charge him with second-degree murder with a deadly weapon, third degree grand theft, third-degree grand theft, third-degree grand theft with a firearm, and third-degree grand theft with a vehicle.
Source: “Imprisoned Man Charged in SW Dade Murder Case,” cbsmiami.com, May 22, 2015, “Parents Ask For Help Solving Son’s Death,” cbsmiami.com, December 27, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Javier Ortoll CONVICTED
Date: October 21, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On October 21, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Javier Ortoll, 78, allegedly shot and killed Edward Melone, 51. Melone was a tenant in a home owned by Ortoll and had reportedly fallen behind on his rent. According to a news report, Ortoll, who often carried a gun, went to the home Melone rented and allegedly shot and killed him. Ortoll was charged with second-degree murder.
UPDATE: On May 29, 2015, Javier Ortoll was found guilty of second degree murder in the death of Edward Melone, and faces a possible life sentence.
Source: “Jury convicts 79-year-old landlord in fatal shooting of tenant,” Orlando Sentinel, May 30, 2015; “Landlord accused in fatal shooting of tenant behind on rent,” foxnews.com, October 22, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Ian Burlakoff SHOT AND KILLED BY THE POLICE
Date: October 20, 2013
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On October 20, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Ian Burlakoff, 41, shot and killed his wife, Gemma, 37, with a handgun on a busy public street in Boca Raton, Florida. When law enforcement arrived, Burlakoff reached for his gun and was shot dead by police. The couple had four daughters, the oldest 12 years of age, the youngest a baby. The couple, married in 2005, reportedly had a volatile marriage, including calls to police, domestic violence, mental health issues, gambling debts, “outrageous” shopping sprees, a divorce filing, and allegations of infidelity. On the day of the shooting, the couple and their three oldest children were spending the day poolside at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. The couple got into a fight which ended with Ian Burlakoff shooting and killing his wife on the street.
Source: “Violent End for Wealthy Boca Raton Couple Came After Years of a Fiery Marriage, Planned Divorce,” Florida Sun-Sentinel, October 28, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Derek Medina CONVICTED
Date: August 8, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 8, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Derek Medina, 31, posted on his Facebook page that he had killed his wife, Jennifer Alfonso, 26. Soon after, a picture of Alfonso, slumped over on the floor with blood on her face and arm, her knees bent and her legs bent behind her, appeared on the page. Several hours later Medina turned himself in to police. According to Medina’s arrest affidavit, he and Alfonso got into an argument in their upstairs bedroom, during which he pointed a gun at her. Alfonso then told Medina she was leaving him. The argument continued in the kitchen, where she began punching him. Medina then went back upstairs and got his gun. As he returned to the kitchen, Alfonso grabbed a knife which Medina took away from her. She then began punching him, at which point, according to the affidavit, he shot her several times. Medina was held without bond on a first degree murder charge. Medina had told his neighbors in the townhouse complex where the couple lived that he was the neighborhood watch patrol.
UPDATE: On November 25, 2015, Derek Medina was found guilty of second degree murder, firing a deadly missile, and child neglect in the killing of Jennifer Alfonso. On February 5, 2016, Medina was sentenced to life in prison.
Source: “Florida ‘Facebook killer’ gets life in prison for wife’s murder,” Reuters, February 5, 2016; “Derek Medina found guilty in Facebook murder trial,” local10.com, November 25, 2015;“Derek Medina, Florida Murder Suspect Who Posted Photo of Wife’s Body, Denied Bond,” www.atlantadailyworld.com, August 12, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Pedro Vargas SHOT AND KILLED DURING INCIDENT
Date: July 27, 2013
People Killed: 6
Circumstances: On July 27, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Pedro Vargas, 42, shot and killed six people at an apartment complex in Hialeah, Florida before being shot and killed by a police SWAT team. Officials identified those killed by Vargas as: Italo Pisciotti, 79; Camira Pisciotti, 69; Carlos Javier Gavilanes, 33; Patricio Simono, 64; Merly S. Niebles, 51; and, Priscilla Perez, 17. The incident began around 6:30 PM when Vargas lit his apartment on fire by burning $10,000 in cash with a combustible liquid. Vargas’ mother, who was in the apartment at the time, fled to safety. Seeing the smoke, building managers Italo and Camira Pisciotti ran toward the apartment. They were met at the door by Vargas, who shot and killed them both. Vargas then walked out onto his balcony, firing 10 to 20 shots from his Glock 9mm pistol, killing Gavilanes who was standing in the parking lot of an apartment building across the street. Vargas then went one floor down and kicked in an apartment door before shooting Patricio Simono and his girlfriend Merly Niebles. Niebles’ daughter Priscilla hid in the bathtub, but Vargas discovered her and shot and killed her. Vargas then continued firing randomly. Police arrived on the scene and returned fire. Vargas then entered another apartment where he took two hostages. Negotiators talked with Vargas but eventually a SWAT team entered the apartment and killed him, freeing the two hostages. Vargas took a two-hour introduction training course and a four-hour safety course at the Florida Gun Center in the fall of 2010 before obtaining his concealed weapons permit and purchasing a Glock 17 pistol. He reportedly had no known history of violence or mental illness.
Source: “Hialeah police chief details tense moments of hostage rescue,” Miami Herald, July 29, 2013; “Little about Pedro Vargas’ life sheds light on motive for Hialeah massacre,” Miami Herald, July 28, 2013; “Shooter Set $10,000 on Fire in Hialeah Shooting Rampage,” nbc6.com, July 28, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Jeffrey D. Walker UNINTENTIONAL
Date: May 7, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 7, 2013, Jadarrius Speights, three, unintentionally shot himself with his uncle’s 9mm handgun which he found in a backpack. Speights shared a bedroom with his uncle, concealed handgun permit holder Jeffrey D. Walker, 29. According to the sheriff’s office, Walker stored his handgun unsecured in his backpack and when he left the room, Speights found the weapon and shot himself. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died. Walker faces a charge of culpable negligence, a third-degree felony.
Source: “Uncle charged after Tampa boy, 3, fatally shoots himself,” The Tampa Tribune, May 7, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: William Sherwood CONVICTED
Date: March 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: In March 2013, concealed handgun permit holder William Sherwood, 65, shot and killed John Pratt, 64, following a traffic accident in Melbourne, Florida. According to news reports, Sherwood claimed that Pratt cut him off in traffic and repeatedly hit his brakes. Sherwood honked his horn, and “made a rude hand gesture.” Their cars collided as both attempted to make a right turn. Pratt got out of his vehicle and approached Sherwood’s door. Sherwood, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, claimed that Pratt reached in and punched him which made him fear for his life. Sherwood then pulled a 45 caliber 1911 pistol and shot Pratt twice, killing him. Sherwood claimed he acted in self defense, but prosecutors argued Pratt had been at Sherwood’s window for no more than 10 seconds when he was shot. A police report cited witnesses who said that Pratt “did not have a weapon, appear aggressive, or attack the defendant.” On September 17, 2014, Sherwood was found guilty of second degree murder. He faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and could receive up to a life sentence.
Source: “Man found guilty in Brevard County road-rage killing case,” wftv.com, September 17, 2014; “Road-rage beating preceded shooting, defendant testifies,” floridatoday.com, September 12, 2014; “Road rage killer on trial in Brevard claims self-defense,” floridatoday.com, September 10, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Krystal Caruso UNINTENTIONAL
Date: February 20, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 20, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Krystal Caruso, 23, unintentionally shot and killed herself while playing with her 9mm handgun. According to her friend Jordan Coombs, Caruso often played with her handgun. Coombs said that her 16-year-old brother watched as Caruso spun the handgun in her hand and pointed it at her head. The gun fired and killed her. “I want to wake her up back from the dead just to punch her in the face and go, ‘Why were you being so stupid?’” Coombs said.
Source: “Krystal Caruso accidentally shot herself in head in front of friend,” wpbf.com, February 20, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Michael Dunn CONVICTED
Date: November 23, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On November 23, 2012, concealed handgun permit holder Michael Dunn, 45, fired several shots into an SUV in which Jordan Davis, 17, was sitting with other teens at a gas station in southeast Jacksonville, Florida. Dunn had complained to the teens about loud music coming from the SUV. Although one passenger in the SUV turned down the music, Dunn claimed he heard the teens “cussing” at him and making threats and said to them, “…are you talking to me?” He also claimed he heard a verbal threat from one of the vehicle’s passengers and saw a shotgun barrel from inside the vehicle on the rim of a window, although police later found no gun in the car. Dunn’s lawyer claims that when he saw the shotgun he retrieved his gun from the glove compartment of his car, loaded it, and fired into the SUV, hitting and killing Davis. Dunn then drove away, telling his girlfriend that he had “fired at these kids.” He turned himself in the next day and now faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
UPDATE: On February 15, 2014, Michael Dunn was found guilty on four charges, including three attempted second-degree murder charges. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the charge of murder. Each attempted second-degree murder charge carries a minimum sentence of at least 20 years in prison. According to State Attorney Angela Corey, prosecutors would press for a new trial on the murder charge.
UPDATE: On October 1, 2014, Michael Dunn was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Jordan Davis. He was sentenced to life in prison without the opportunity for parole.
Source: “Michael Dunn Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Loud Music Killing,” www.nbcnews.com, October 17, 2014; “Michael Dunn guilty of first-degree murder for killing Jordan Davis,” news4jax.com, October 1, 2014; “Dunn convicted of attempted murder; hung jury on murder in ‘loud-music’ trial,” CNN, February 16, 2014; “Suspect in gas station shooting claims teens had a shotgun,” Actionnewsjax.com, November 27, 2012; “Beachside man heading to Jacksonville to face charges in teen’s slaying,” Florida Today, November 27, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Gregory Burns PENDING
Date: August 31, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 31, 2012, concealed handgun permit holder Gregory Burns, 52, allegedly shot and killed Cristian Nunez, following an argument at the Elbo Room bar on Fort Lauderdale beach. According to police, Burns was asked to leave the bar after getting into an argument with another customer. As Nunez, a bouncer employed by the bar, was escorting Burns out, they began to fight. During the altercation, Burns allegedly shot Nunez in the stomach. Nunez was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition. He later underwent multiple surgeries and treatments before dying from his injuries on March 23, 2014. Burns was initially charged with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, but that charge was changed to manslaughter following Nunez’s death.
UPDATE: According to an April 2019 court filing, the lead detective investigating the shooting death of Cristian Nunez was attempting to retest some of the evidence in the case when he “discovered that all of these items had already been destroyed under the direction of evidence unit supervisor Dawn Ramage.” A spokesperson for the Fort Lauderdale police confirmed the evidence was destroyed when the aggravated battery charges against Gregory Burns were dismissed and that police were unaware that new charges had been filed. The evidence that was destroyed included the gun allegedly used in the shooting, bullet casings, and dashcam video. Burns’ defense attorney argued that Burns could have used that evidence to mount a justifiable or accidental homicide defense and that without it, Burns would not be able to have a fair trial. A court hearing was scheduled for May 2019 to determine whether charges should be dismissed.
Source: “With evidence destroyed, case against man accused of killing bouncer may crumble,” local10.com, April 17, 2019; “Weston Man Arrested in Deadly Bar Brawl Investigation,” miami.cbslocal.com, April 10, 2014; “Homicide charge expected in shooting of Elbo Room bouncer,” Sun Sentinel, March 28, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Kenneth Roop CONVICTED
Date: July 25, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On July 25, 2012, concealed handgun permit holder Kenneth Roop, 52, allegedly shot and killed door-to-door frozen meat and lobster tail salesman Nick Rainey, 30. Rainey, who was employed by Blue Ribbon Steak and Seafood and was with another salesman, had just knocked on the front door of Roop’s home when Roop pulled into his driveway in his pick-up. As Rainey began to walk up to Roop, the permit holder drew a 9mm Glock pistol and shot Rainey in the shoulder. As Rainey lay on the ground wounded, Roop stated that he then shot him in the back of the head “for effect,” killing him. Roop told investigators that Rainey should have respected the three no trespassing signs on his property and that he didn’t warn Rainey before shooting him because, “I’m not going to give him a chance to do something to me; I was in fear.” A neighbor who ran over to help Rainey said that as he bent over to help him, he heard Roop in his garage stating something along the lines of “I’ll kill everybody or shoot everybody.” A sheriff’s deputy then arrived, and told Roop to drop his gun. Said the neighbor, “When he came out of the garage, he looked totally deranged to me. He looked like he was off the deep end.” Seven years earlier, Roop had threatened with a gun a female meter reader who was on his property, pointing the weapon “at her heart.” He was acquitted of the charge of improper exhibition of a weapon. The former prosecuting attorney in the case told reporters, “This guy had a screw loose,” adding, “I knew this guy was a time bomb, I really did.” Roop was charged with second degree murder.
UPDATE: In August 2013, Kenneth Roop was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Nicholas Rainey. The conviction carries a mandatory life sentence.
Source: “Kenneth Roop guilty of second-degree murder,” nbc-2.com, August 29, 2013; “‘This guy was a time bomb’: Man shoots dead door-to-door lobster salesman ‘execution style’ seven years after pulling gun on female meter reader,” MailOnline, July 31, 2012; “Salesman shot in head ‘for effect,’” WBBH-TV, July 27, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Wilmen Diaz CONVICTED
Date: February 13, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: Just after midnight on February 13, 2012, concealed carry permit holder Wilmen Diaz, 28, and an unidentified woman were leaving the Tipico Dominicano Club and Restaurant in Miami when Diaz became involved in a confrontation with Michael Anthony Lawrence, 39, and Marcell Donell Brown, 27, “causing… Diaz to produce a firearm and shoot at the males striking them both” according to Miami police. Both Lawrence and Brown, shot with a 9mm gun, were taken to the hospital following the shooting, where Lawrence died. Diaz faces one count of second-degree murder with a firearm and one count of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm.
UPDATE: In June 2014, Wilmen Diaz was found guilty of second degree murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison on the murder charge and five years for the attempted voluntary manslaughter.
Source: State of Florida v. Wilmen Diaz, Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade, Florida, Case No. F12-3760, www2.miami-dadeclerk.com; “Man Arrested for Miami Club Shooting: Cops,” NBC6 Miami, February 15, 2012; “Man killed in scuffle near Allapattah club,” The Miami Herald, February 14, 2012; “One Killed, One Injured in Shooting Outside Miami Club,” NBC6 Miami, February 13, 2012; “Tipico Dominicano Club Shooting Leaves Michael Anthony Lawrence Dead And Marcell Donell Brown Injured,” Huffington Post, February 13, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Moises Zambrana UNINTENTIONAL
Date: February 12, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 12, 2012, concealed handgun permit holder Moises Zambrana, 48, was showing his 9mm Ruger pistol to Dustin Bueller, 20, and another man after church services when the handgun accidently fired (Bueller was thinking of buying the model for himself when he turned 21). Although he “took precautions” in showing the gun to Bueller—going with Bueller into a closet in the church and removing the gun’s ammunition magazine—Zambrana left a round in the pistol’s chamber. The Ruger fired as he was explaining its safety features to Bueller, “sending a bullet through the wall and into the head of Hannah Kelley, 20, — Bueller’s girlfriend and daughter of the church’s pastor, Tim Kelley.” Hannah Kelley died the following Saturday. Zambrana, a licensed security officer, also served as security for the church’s events. Church member Tony Diehl told a reporter that after the shooting his father told him that he knew of three church “regulars” with concealed handgun permits. “I was kind of hoping it wasn’t going to be Moises,” Diehl added, “Why does this need to happen?”
Source: “Pastor’s daughter shot at Florida church dies,” Associated Press, February 18, 2012; “Deputies: Pastor’s daughter struck as gun accidently goes off in Pinellas church,” Tampa Bay Times, February 12, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Vishna Beepot SHOT AND KILLED DURING INCIDENT
Date: June 30, 2011
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On June 30, 2011, concealed handgun permit holder Vishna Beepot, 26, got into an argument with Junior Lodge, 35, at the South Rock Lounge Bar and Grill in Lauderdale Lakes. When Beepot pulled out a gun, an unnamed security guard at the bar told him to drop his weapon. When Beepot refused, the security guard pulled his own weapon and both men fired. Ten people were shot and injured in the crossfire and Lodge and Beepot were killed. Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti told the press that given the small size of the bar and the number of customers in it at the time, “It’s a wonder more people didn’t die.” Beepot’s mother told the press that her son carried his gun for selfprotection. The security guard, who detectives stated may have fired his gun in selfdefense, was unhurt.
Source: “Officials continue probing bar shooting,” www.nbcmiami.com, July 1, 2011.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Hewart Bailey UNINTENTIONAL
Date: April 20, 2011
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On April 20, 2011, a caller to 911 reported that a woman had been shot by her toddler son. When police responded they found Julia Bennett, 33, dead in her apartment. According to a spokeswoman from the Miramar police, the 911 call was made by concealed handgun permit holder Hewart Bailey, the father of the two and a half year old boy. Bailey told authorities that his Glock pistol—which he thought he had unloaded—was accessible to the toddler, who unintentionally fired it. A witness said that police checked the boy’s hands for gunshot residue and swabbed his mouth for possible evidence that he had fired the gun. Neighbor Naomi Williams was shocked by the shooting, stating, “I was looking at the baby’s hands and ain’t no way the baby did it.” The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
UPDATE: In June 2014, the Broward State Attorney’s Office decided not to file criminal charges against Hewart Bailey, concluding that the shooting of Julia Bennett was unintentional. In a memo the State Attorney’s Office stated that Bennett was, “accidentally shot once when Hewart Bailey attempted to retrieve his gun from their son.”
Source: “Exclusive: Couple’s Son Had His Hand On Gun In Fatal Shooting,” miami.cbslocal.com, June 18, 2014; “Father in Miramar toddler shooting case said he tried to prevent killing,” www.sunsentinel.com, May 5, 2011; “Police: Toddler may have fatally shot mother,” wtsp.com, April 21, 1011; “Miramar woman identified in claim that child fired fatal shot from Glock; investigation continues,” South Florida Sun- Sentinel, April 21, 2011.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Justin Campos CONVICTED
Date: January 18, 2011
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: On January 18, 2011, concealed handgun permit holder Justin Campos, 25, allegedly shot and killed Juan Miguel Sanchez-Perdomo, 20, and Carlos Deleon- Ortiz, 29, following a confrontation outside Lookers strip club in Fort Myers, FL. Detectives state that Campos and alleged accomplice Daniel Guillen, 27, attacked a group of men outside Lookers shortly after midnight. Guillen allegedly pistol-whipped one man then Campos reportedly used the same handgun to shoot Sanchez-Perdomo and Deleon- Ortiz. Campos was arrested hours later and charged with two counts of second-degree murder.
UPDATE: In January 2012, a jury found National Rifle Association member Justin Campos guilty on two second-degree murder charges.
Source: “Jury finds Campos guilty of deadly strip club shooting,” marconews.com, January 12, 2012; “Judge denies Stand Your Ground motion in strip club shooting,” www.winknews.com, January 10, 1012; “Murder suspect’s attorney: Shooting was self-defense,” Naples Daily News, January 21, 2011.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Emanuel “Emma” Laboy Rivera CONVICTED
Date: December 10, 2010
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On December 10, 2010, concealed handgun permit holder and drug dealer Emanuel “Emma” Laboy Rivera, 26, allegedly shot and killed Lekeefe Lee, 25, as the result of a drug deal gone bad. According to news reports, Rivera, who dealt drugs out of his home, had agreed to sell Lee three ounces of marijuana for $900. Lee, who had no cash on him, took only two ounces, leaving his .380 handgun with Rivera as collateral. A half hour later Lee returned to Rivera’s home, where they discussed “the weight and quality” of the marijuana. Lee then took his handgun and the remaining ounce of marijuana without paying Rivera and walked to his car, followed by Rivera. Rivera then fired his Glock pistol into Lee’s car. The bullet shattered the car’s rear window hitting Lee, who drove the car two to four blocks before hitting a utility pole. Lee was believed to have been killed by the gunshot wound. Because of Florida’s Castle law, which allows the use of lethal force in cases of perceived threat, Rivera was not charged with homicide (even though the law does not apply to a person who is engaged in unlawful activity). Though not charged in the homicide, Rivera was charged with two felony counts of delivery of drugs and use of a gun in the commission of a felony.
UPDATE: In January 2011, Rivera was charged with second-degree murder and was held without bail at the Volusia County Branch jail.
UPDATE: On January 28, 2013, Rivera was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Source: “Drug dealer gets 18 years in fatal shooting during drug deal gone bad,” Daytona Beach News- Journal, January 28, 2013; “Police charge dealer with murder in shooting,” Daytona Beach News-Journal, January 13, 2011; “Police: Dealer shot customer for not paying,” Daytona Beach News-Journal, December 12, 2010; “Daytona Beach man, 25, shot to death in car; result of drug deal gone bad,” nsbnews.net, December 11, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Trevor Dooley CONVICTED
Date: September 26, 2010
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On September 26, 2010, concealed handgun permit holder Trevor Dooley, 69, allegedly shot and killed David James, 41, in front of his daughter during an argument following Dooley’s confrontation with a teenage boy riding a skateboard on a basketball court across the street from Dooley’s home. Dooley, carrying a gun, confronted the youth for breaking the neighborhood’s rules. Neighbors said that James, a 20-year Air Force veteran, stood up for the skateboarder, and that the men argued, eventually getting into a physical confrontation. James was playing basketball with his daughter, Danielle, as he did every Sunday. After the shooting, Danielle asked her mother why no one was helping her father. “He already went up to heaven,” her mother replied. In news reports, neighbors said that Dooley, a school bus driver, had had prior confrontations with neighborhood kids in the park, with one neighbor stating, “When my son would be down skateboarding, he was always looking on the perimeter–a couple of times he would say some things. But you would never think it would lead to something where he would take a life?” Dooley was charged with manslaughter, improper exhibition of a firearm, and openly carrying a firearm. His bail was set at $50,000. Neighbor Sam Romano said of the shooting, “It’s just really sad and it’s stupid. None of it made any sense to any of us.”
UPDATE: In March 2011, a civil wrongful death suit was filed against Trevor Dooley by the James family. The suit seeks unspecified damages.
UPDATE: In November 2012, Trevor Dooley was found gulity of manslaughter, improper exhibition of a weapon, and open carrying of a firearm. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
Source: “Jury finds Trevor Dooley guilty in manslaughter case,” Tampa Bay Times, November 19, 2012; “Wrongful death suit filed against Trevor Dooley,” wtsp.com, March 21, 2011; “Bail set at $50,000 for man charged in fatal Valrico shooting,” St. Petersburg Times, September 29, 2010; “Valrico Shooter Charged With Manslaughter,” St. Petersburg Times, September 28, 2010; “Deadly Shooting’s Aftermath Leaves Valrico Bewildered,” St. Petersburg Times, September 28, 2010; “Questions surround Valrico shooting,” www.myfoxtampabay.com, September 27, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Gerardo Regalado SUICIDE
Date: June 6, 2010
People Killed: 5 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On June 6, 2010, Gerardo Regalado, 38, committed Hialeah, Florida’s worst mass shooting: killing four women and wounding three others at the Yoyito Cafe- Restaurant, a well-liked local restaurant. Regalado’s target was his estranged wife, Liazan Molina, 24. Armed with a 45 caliber pistol, Regalado fired nine times in a shooting spree that witnesses described as total mayhem. “He came in running, like a crazy man…shooting everybody,” screamed one 911 caller, “He came in running and killing.” Authorities said that Regalado specifically targeted women and shot them at close range. Regalado killed himself after the shooting. He had a concealed handgun permit—even though relatives described him as “pure evil” with a history of abusing women and having served “hard time” in a Cuban prison.
Source: “Shooter had violent past,” WSVN.com, June 11, 2010; “In minutes, rage to rampage in Hialeah mass shooting,” The Miami Herald, June 8, 2010; “Hialeah rampage suspect is half-brother of pitcher ‘El Duque’ Hernandez,” The Miami Herald, June 7, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Charles E. Ingram, Robert G. Webster SHOT AND KILLED DURING INCIDENT
Date: April 28, 2010
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On April 28, 2010, concealed handgun permit holder Robert G. Webster and his wife were returning home from a visit to the doctor when he got into a confrontation with neighbor and fellow concealed handgun permit holder Charles E. Ingram, 57. According to witnesses, as the argument escalated Webster, age 63, walked out of his yard with a gun at his side and then raised it. Ingram, who had also left his yard, standing in the sidewalk and street, raised his gun as Webster approached. Both men fired at approximately the same time. Webster died at the scene. Ingram died less than a month later from wounds inflicted by Webster. Detectives investigating the shooting concluded that both men might have faced criminal charges had they lived.
Source: “Second Man Dies in April Neighborhood Shooting,” Florida Times-Union, May 25, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Leonel Marquetti CONVICTED
Date: March 25, 2010
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On March 25, 2010, concealed handgun permit holder Leonel Marquetti, 51, shot and killed Michael Hurlbutt, 44, after seeing Hurlbutt leaving the house Marquetti had shared with his ex-girlfriend. Marquetti and his girlfriend had recently separated and prosecutors claim Marquetti hounded her with phone calls and questioned the time she spent with Hurlbutt. On the day of the shooting, Marquetti appeared at his ex-girlfriends’s home and approached Hurlbutt. Without speaking, he began firing with a semiautomatic handgun, hitting Hurlbutt four times in the chest and back. Marquetti’s call to 911 was played at his trial, “I shot a guy by accident….I just got angry. I saw him coming out of my house with my girlfriend and I started shooting.” The jury took only 90 minutes to convict Marquetti of first-degree murder.
Source: “Jury finds murder defendant guilty after 90 minute [sic] of deliberations in Tampa,” St. Petersburg Times, April 21, 2011; “Four shots called an accident,” St. Petersburg Times, April 20, 2011.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Randy Reddick Jr. UNINTENTIONAL
Date: February 27, 2010
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 27, 2010, a 10-year-old boy unintentionally shot and killed his older brother, Randy Reddick, 11, with his father’s 40-caliber Glock pistol. The boys’ father, Randy Reddick Jr., had forgotten to take his handgun out of the console of his Dodge pickup truck that was parked at the family’s Deerfield Beach residence. A neighbor, Spencer Waymen, who was helping unload a moving van across the street, witnessed the shooting. Said Waymen, “Before I could get out of the U-Haul, the gun went off.” As he approached the scene, he saw the older boy lying on the ground in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the right side of his face. His younger brother jumped out of the truck yelling, “It went off by itself! I killed my brother!” According to news reports, the boys’ sister and father raced out of their apartment and became “hysterical.” The boys’ father had forgotten that he had left the pistol in the truck’s unlocked console when he asked the two boys to retrieve his hat and coat from the vehicle’s front seat. Randy Reddick Jr., 31, had a valid concealed handgun permit.
Source: “Brother accidentally shoots older brother dead,” digitaljournal.com, March 1, 2010; “Witness: Young Deerfield brothers were joking, laughing before deadly shooting,” SunSentinel.com, March 1, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Roger Troy SUICIDE
Date: February 8, 2010
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On February 8, 2010, Alissa Blanton, 23, was shot and killed by concealed handgun permit holder Roger Troy, 61, before Troy shot himself in the head, ending his own life. One week earlier Blanton had sought an emergency order of protection against Troy. The request was denied. The shooting occurred in a business center parking lot outside an AT&T Wireless Call Center in Orlando where both Blanton and her husband of six months, Brent, worked. The newlywed couple had been out for lunch and were returning to work via separate entrances. When Blanton saw Troy approaching, she called her husband on her cell phone for help. When the husband returned, he found Alissa on the ground and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. According to Alissa Blanton’s mother, he had just enough time “… to tell her that he loved her.” In a 72-page petition for an order of protection presented at an emergency hearing February 1, 2010, Alissa Blanton stated that Troy had been stalking her since 2008 and that he owned several guns. Blanton had first met Troy when she worked as a waitress at a Hooters that year. Troy was a regular and kept trying to touch her. Blanton said she gave Troy her e-mail address after he kept badgering her for her phone number. Subsequent communications from Troy contained “angry rants” about her marriage. During the period prior to the shooting, Troy had showed up at her home, followed her to the beach, and confronted her outside her workplace, blocking in her car. Despite the evidence Blanton presented, Brevard Circuit Judge Dean Moxley denied her request for an emergency injunction.
Source: “Woman killed near UCF had told judge man was stalking her,” TMCnet.com, February 10, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: James Matthew Menard CONVICTED
Date: January 1, 2010
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On New Year’s Day, concealed handgun permit holder James Matthew Menard, 23, shot and killed 17-year-old high school student Jake Couture. The shooting was the result of a quarrel between two groups of youths following a robbery that may have involved the sale of drugs. Menard and others went to confront the group they suspected of the robbery. Menard allegedly pulled his 40 caliber pistol and fired five times after being shoved by one of the group, one of whom possessed a toy gun that resembled an UZI assault rifle, and stumbling backward over a curb. The shots resulted in Couture’s death and the wounding of two others. After the shooting police searched Menard’s apartment, where they found three guns—including the 40 caliber pistol. Menard was charged with second degree murder with bond set at three million dollars.
UPDATE: On January 14, 2011, Menard was found guilty of felony murder and armed trespass. He was found not guilty of second-degree murder which required the jury to find Menard had a depraved mind, ill will, spite and hatred when he shot Couture. Instead the jury found Menard guilty of the lesser and included charge of manslaughter. The manslaughter charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Source: “Jake Couture slaying: James Menard guilty of felony murder, manslaughter,” naplenews.com, January 14, 2011; “Victim’s family happy alleged killer’s bond staying at $3M”, WZVN News, June 1, 2010; “Court records shed light on Jake Couture killing,” Marconews.com, May 27, 2010.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Paul Michael Merhige CONVICTED
Date: November 26, 2009
People Killed: 4
Circumstances: On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009, Paul Michael Merhige opened fire at his family’s Thanksgiving dinner shooting six relatives, killing four. The deceased victims were his twin sisters (one of whom was pregnant), his 76-year-old aunt, and a six-year-old cousin. As he left the scene, Merhige was quoted by one witness as saying, “I have been waiting 20 years for this.” Merhige then fled, and was featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” Merhige bought two pistols and a rifle the day before the shooting according to the gun shop owner who sold them to him. Merhige had a concealed handgun permit.
UPDATE: On October 28, 2011, Paul Michael Merhige, 37, pled guilty in the deaths of four family members on Thanksgiving 2009 and was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences. The father of one of the victims begged the judge not to accept the deal, which allowed Merhige to escape the death penalty, falling to his knees as he addressed the judge before being ordered off the ground by deputies. The judge in the case said the life sentences were the strongest he could impose, telling Merhige, “You’ll never see the light of day.”
Source: “‘You’ll never see the light of day’: Thanksgiving Day killer who murdered four relatives is handed seven life sentences by sickened judge,” The Daily Mail, October 28, 2011; “Thanksgiving Massacre Gun Bought in Fort Lauderdale: Merhige bought three guns a day before killing four family members,” NBC Miami, December 4, 2009; “4 Killed at Dinner; Florida Police Seek Gunman,” New York Times, November 28, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Jason Rodriguez CONVICTED
Date: November 6, 2009
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On November 6, 2009, concealed handgun permit holder Jason Rodriguez, 40, shot and killed Otis Beckford, 26, a computer-design technician at the office where Rodriguez formerly worked. At a hearing to assess his competency to stand trial, Rodriguez admitted taking a gun into his former place of employment where he claimed he wanted to talk to a former manager about why he had not received an unemployment check. Rodriguez had been fired from the company in 2007. When asked what happened when he went into the office, Rodriguez claimed that he could not remember and that “I was psychotic. I can’t tell you what happened.” Witnesses said that Rodriguez walked around the office shooting people. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder. In October 2013, Rodriguez was ruled competent to stand trial. In December 2013 he was convicted and in January 2014 he was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences.
Source: “Jason Rodriguez gets life sentence for downtown Orlando shooting,” mynews13.com, January 9, 2014; “Downtown Orlando shooting suspect Jason Rodriguez competent for trial,” Orlando Sentinel, October 28, 2013.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Unidentified UNINTENTIONAL
Date: October 19, 2009
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On October 19, 2009, Latrecia Levine was shot and killed at The Allied Veterans Cyber Center Internet Café when a man’s handgun fell out of his waistband, hit the floor and discharged, striking her in the back. The shooter, who had a concealed handgun permit, apparently had ignored a sign on the door that included firearms among the items prohibited from inside the business. Additional signs inside the café said that no firearms were allowed on the property. No charges were immediately filed in the case, but the police characterized it as an “active ongoing investigation.”
Source: “New Info in Internet Café Shooting,” wokv.com, October 23, 2009; “Woman Killed in Cyber Café Identified,” news4jax.com, October 22, 2009; “No charges filed against man when gun went off at Jacksonville business, killing woman,” jacksonville.com, October 22, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Lenin Florian CONVICTED
Date: August 24, 2009
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 24, 2009, concealed handgun permit holder Lenin Florian, 26, shot and killed David Hernandez, 33, with a revolver. According to prosecutors, Florian was dating the mother of Hernandez’s two children. The Fort Myers police say that Hernandez, accompanied by his mother, was picking up his son, age nine, and daughter, age seven, at a school bus stop outside an apartment building on the first day of school. Florian arrived and an argument ensued with Hernandez, ending with Florian shooting Hernandez in the chest. Numerous bystanders were at the shooting, including Hernandez’s children, schoolchildren on the school bus, and the mother of Hernandez’s children—who was reportedly dating Florian and was in his car during the confrontation. Those close to Hernandez’s children told reporters that they would never forget the youngsters’ cries for help as they sat in a police car as their father died: “She was just crying, saying ‘daddy, daddy, daddy,’” said one witness. Another witness added, “He got killed in front of his family, his mom, his kids, you know—in broad daylight in front of everyone.” According to prosecutors, the two men had argued previously—apparently over visitation rights—and Florian decided to get a concealed handgun permit and arm himself. According to news reports, “Florian told police that he was sorry, that he didn’t know how to fight and this was how he had to deal with the situation.” On August 31, 2011, Florian was convicted of manslaughter. On October 11, 2011, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison with credit for two years served. At sentencing, the judge stated, “It’s amazing how quickly people’s lives can change in a matter of a few moments. I don’t believe this was planned. I think it was very quick….But I do believe Mr. Florian took someone’s life needlessly. He didn’t have to do what he did.”
Source: “Killer gets 15 years in death of Fort Myers man,” The Fort Meyers News-Press, October 10, 2011; “Man convicted in shooting,” The Fort Myers News-Press, August 31, 2011; “Police: Children may have witnessed fatal shooting,” nbc-2.com, August 24, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Humberto Delgado, Jr. CONVICTED
Date: August 19, 2009
People Killed: 1
Law Enforcement Officers Killed: 1
Circumstances: Humberto Delgado Jr., 34, allegedly shot and killed 11-year Tampa police veteran Corporal Mike Roberts after the officer responded to a suspicious person call. Delgado was pushing a shopping cart which turned out to be filled with military gear, a Kel-Tec assault rifle, a Taurus .45 pistol, and a .22 revolver. He also had a Glock 17 pistol in a backpack. When Corporal Roberts tried to question Delgado, a struggle ensued and Roberts was shot while on his back. Although Corporal Roberts was wearing body armor, a bullet struck him in an unprotected area and entered his chest. Delgado had been a law enforcement officer in the Virgin Islands for four years until 2000 and had served in the U.S. Army. He had a concealed handgun permit issued in North Carolina. Florida has reciprocity with North Carolina. A search of Delgado’s storage unit uncovered another firearm, a laser sight, a copy of Shooter’s Bible, and a certificate for completion of a firearms safety course. Delgado faces charges of premeditated murder and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
UPDATE: On November 15, 2011, Delgado was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Corporal Mike Roberts. He was sentenced to death on February 11, 2012.
UPDATE: On April 23, 2015, The Florida Supreme Court overturned Delgado’s death sentence and ordered his case back before the trial judge in order to impose a life sentence.
Source: “Delgado’s death sentence reduced to life in Tampa officer’s slaying,” Tampa Tribune, April 23, 2015; “Jury finds Humberto Delgado Jr. guilty of murdering Tampa police officer,” tampabay.com, November 15, 2011; “‘Not guilty’ plea in killing,” tampabay.com, September 14, 2009; “Documents show Delgado had more weapons, Police: accused killer had ‘Shooter’s Bible’ too,” myfoxtampabay.com, September 1, 2009; “Tampa officer was on his back when shot dead,” tampabay.com, August, 31, 2009; “Accused police killer: who is he?,” l0connects.com, August, 21, 2009; North Carolina Statute 14-415.11; North Carolina Department of Justice, Concealed Weapons Reciprocity.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Unidentified UNINTENTIONAL
Date: February 1, 2009
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 1, 2009, Jason Lee Gilmore Jr., 11, was unintentionally shot by an unidentified nine-year-old friend who was playing with a loaded Glock .40 pistol. The handgun was reported stolen on January 11, 2009 from a car parked in West Palm Beach. The owner of the Glock had received his concealed weapons permit a week earlier and had just bought the gun. He left the gun in his car overnight and a burglar broke into the car and stole it. Police were investigating how the boys got the gun.
Source: “Boy was playing with gun before shooting friend,” Palm Beach Post, February 3, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Andrew Sherman Conley CONVICTED
Date: October 24, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On October 24, 2008, Andrew Sherman Conley was showing his girlfriend, assistant public defender Theresa Anderson, a .22 handgun when the weapon went off, the bullet striking her in the chest. She was treated by paramedics but died at the scene. Conley, who considered himself an “amateur gunsmith,” had attended a firearms safety course in 2005 and had a concealed handgun permit. Conley told deputies his girlfriend had encouraged him to take the safety course after a previous incident in which he had accidentally fired into the bed in the master bedroom. Conley pleaded no contest to manslaughter and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Source: “Live-in boyfriend gets 13 years after fatal shooting of assistant public defender,” The Orlando Sentinel, November 9, 2009; “Seminole Deputies: It was her boyfriend’s fault,” The Orlando Sentinel, November 4, 2008; “Trial in manslaughter case set for Feb. 23,” The Orlando Sentinel, December 5, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: James Wonder PENDING
Date: August 5, 2008
People Killed: 1
Law Enforcement Officers Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 5, 2008, James Wonder, 65, allegedly shot and killed U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Donald Pettit, 52, after a road-rage incident. After the two got into a shouting and finger-pointing match while driving, Wonder pulled into a post office parking lot, Pettit followed and was shot and killed. After the shooting, Wonder sped away to a kidney dialysis appointment where he told a nurse that whomever had killed the agent must have been a “professional.” He then went home, hid the gun, changed his hair color, and rented a car to reportedly hide his involvement in the shooting. Wonder, who had a concealed handgun permit, has been indicted on manslaughter charges.
UPDATE: In November 2012, a judge denied a motion to dismiss the manslaughter charge against James Wonder based on Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. In his decision the judge wrote, “The Court finds that Wonder unreasonably assumed that Pettit was a thug and Pettit, although angry and yelling at Wonder, made no physical threats or verbal statement what could be reasonably interpreted to indicate that violence was imminent.”
Source: “Judge Denies “Stand Your Ground” Motion in Road Rage Shooting,” miami.cbslocal.com, November 15, 2012; “Police: Suspect in agent’s killing told nurses of road rage argument: Police: Suspect in federal agent’s killing described a road rage fight,” South Florida Sun-Sentinel, August 21, 2008; “Man charged in agent’s road rage killing out on bail; A Broward retiree who was charged in the death of a customs agent paid bail and was released from jail on Friday,” Miami Herald, August 30, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: William Garrido CONVICTED
Date: July 3, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On July 3, 2008, William Garrido confessed to shooting and killing fellow cab driver Josue Reyes. Garrido allegedly shot Reyes in the parking lot of the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach following a confrontation. Reyes then tried to run away, but Garrido shot him a second time, in the back, causing him to collapse and die beside a parking meter. Garrido and Reyes had been arguing for the last three weeks. Garrido told police that in the lot, stepping out of his cab, he took out his six-shot revolver with the intention of killing Reyes. Garrido had a concealed handgun permit despite having pled no contest in 1997 to charges of aggravated assault with a weapon and being sentenced to two months in jail and a year of probation. Garrido was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Reyes.
UPDATE: On December 28, 2011, the Third District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida upheld William Garrido’s conviction and sentence for second degree murder. Garrido had appealed, alleging that the trial court had erred in the manslaughter instruction given to the jury.
Source: William Garrido v. State of Florida, No. 3D10-722, (Fla. Dist. Ct. App., Dec. 28, 2011); “Murder charge for cabbie; a Miami Beach cab driver was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of another cab driver,” The Miami Herald, July 5, 2008; “Blood Beach: The Murder Rate in Miami Beach Pushes a Record for This Decade,” www.miamisunpost.com, September 18, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Dam Lopez CONVICTED
Date: March 22, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On March 22, 2008, Dam Lopez allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend Andrea Anzola Villafrade while they were staying at a hotel with another couple. According to news reports, Lopez originally claimed that he was just standing in front of his girlfriend and did not know that the gun discharged, but a Monroe County Medical Examiner’s report concluded Lopez had stood behind Villafrade, his right arm wrapped around her side while he reached over with his left arm and placed the barrel of his gun to her ribs, right below her breast. According to an arrest warrant, Villafrade said, “Damian, don’t play like that,” immediately before being shot. Lopez, who had a concealed handgun permit, was charged with negligent manslaughter.
UPDATE: On July 26, 2010, Dam Lopez pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced on August 20, 2010, to 30 months in prison, and will be on probation for eight years following his prison term.
Source: “Man gets 2.5 years for killing girlfriend,” Florida Keys Keynoter, October 2, 2010; “Man charged in gun death,” Sun-Sentinel, October 2, 2008; “Single gunshot killed Deerfield woman,” The Miami Herald, March 24, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Arthur Burroughs SUICIDE
Date: March 8, 2008
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On March 8, 2008, Christine Burroughs, naked and covered with blood, ran to neighbor Alice and Lance Lather’s house seeking refuge from her enraged husband, Arthur Burroughs. Burroughs followed his wife to the home, fatally shooting Lance Lather. Burroughs then barricaded himself in the neighbors’ bathroom with his wife. A SWAT team and hostage negotiator were called to the house. Burroughs eventually shot and killed himself. Christine Burroughs had previously told Alice Lather that her husband wanted to kill her because she wanted a divorce. Burroughs had been previously employed in loss prevention and security for T.J. Maxx and had possessed a concealed handgun permit since at least 1999.
Source: “Domestic Dispute Spurred Shooter,” Palm Beach Post, March 10, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Tony Villegas INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL
Date: March 5, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On March 5, 2008, Tony Villegas allegedly strangled Melissa Britt Lewis after a struggle ensued in her garage. Her body was found in a canal two days later. Lewis was the best friend of Villegas’ estranged wife, and had been supportive of her efforts to end the abusive relationship with Villegas. Villegas had possessed a concealed handgun permit since 2000. Villegas was indicted on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder.
UPDATE: In May 2010 Villegas was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was transferred to a mental health facility run by the Department of Children and Families. By law, if Villegas’ mental health does not improve in five years, the first-degree murder charge against him must be dropped. According to a news report, “The current focus on Tony’s sanity is not entirely surprising. Tony’s diary from the months leading up to Melissa’s death suggests that he was struggling to keep it together. His entries were disjointed and difficult to decipher, scribbled at random on a day planner.”
Source: “Tony Villegas Deemed Incompetent; Murder Case Stalled,” Broward-Palm Beach New Times, May 4, 2010; “Arrest made in slaying of attorney; Suspect is estranged husband of the victim’s best friend,” Sun-Sentinel, March 16, 2008; “Lawyer: Suspect in Attorney’s Killing Framed; Police Say Woman Strangled by Best Friend’s Estranged Husband,” www.justnews.com, March 17, 2008; “Suspect indicted in Ft. Lauderdale lawyer’s murder,” Miami Herald, March 26, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Paul Kallenbach CONVICTED
Date: February 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: In February 2008, Paul Kallenbach shot and killed Jon Teko Howard following an argument at a convenience store. After a verbal dispute, Kallenbach, who was armed with two pistols, pulled one of them on Howard who then began backing out of the store before lunging to try and disarm Kallenbach. A struggle ensued and Howard managed to wrestle one pistol away from Kallenbach. Howard was shot in the arm and back, and returned fire on Kallenbach, wounding him in the shoulder and leg. Howard was pronounced dead at the scene and Kallenbach was taken to the hospital for treatment. Kallenbach had a concealed weapon permit and told police he felt safer when he was carrying guns. Police had confiscated several firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Kallenbach six months prior to the shooting, but a judge returned the weapons in November 2007. Kallenbach pled guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Source: “A sobering picture of crime; Homicides doubled last year and county is on track to match that in ’08,” Sarasota Herald-Tribune, April 15, 2008; “Fatal shootout brings 18-year term,” HeraldTribune.com, December 12, 2008; “Death at a convenience store,” Sarasota Herald-Tribune, December 13, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Michael Leopold Phillips SUICIDE
Date: January 19, 2008
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On January 19, 2008, Michael Leopold Phillips shot and killed his wife, Josefina Boza, before turning the gun on himself. Both were shot in the head and a police investigation determined the shooting to be a murder-suicide. Phillips’ arrest record showed three charges since 1988 of domestic battery or assault on a spouse. From 1988 through 1990, one of Phillips’ ex-wives was granted injunctions for protection against domestic violence. Phillips obtained a concealed handgun permit in 1999 and renewed it in 2006.
Source: “Murder, Suicide Cited in Deaths,” Palm Beach Post, January 21, 2008.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Adam Hill INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL
Date: January 7, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On January 7, 2008, Adam Hill allegedly shot and killed Clayton Patterson as Patterson sat on the couch in a friend’s apartment. An eyewitness told police that Hill entered the apartment, pulled out a revolver, and pointed it. Hill then said, “Hey Clayton, you want to get shot?” Hill had a history of mental illness and owned several guns. Two years prior to his obtaining a concealed handgun permit, Hill was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. He failed to show up for court, but the case was dismissed. Hill obtained a concealed handgun permit in 2007. Hill was charged with second degree murder.
UPDATE: On August 21, 2013, Judge Michael Traynor deemed Adam Hill incompetent to stand trial for the death of Clayton Patterson. The judge ruled that Hill “is a danger to himself and/or others as a result of his mental illness and, therefore, requires involuntary hospitalization.” Hill will remain in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families as long as the court feels he is a danger to himself or others.
Source: “Man charged in 2008 murder found incompetent, put in care of DCF,” St. Augustine Record, August 27, 2013; “Family Says Gun Laws are Flawed,” firstcoastnews.com, May 21, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Guillermo Zarabozo CONVICTED
Date: September 2007
People Killed: 4
Circumstances: On September 22, 2007, Guillermo Zarabozo and Kirby Archer hired Jake Branam, captain of the 47-foot charter boat Joe Cool, his wife and mother of his two children Kelley Branam, and crew mates Scott Gamble and Samuel Kairy to take them from Miami Beach to Bimini in the Bahamas. When the boat did not return to Florida, the Coast Guard was contacted and they found the Joe Cool abandoned roughly 30 miles north of Cuba. Zarabozo and Archer were found the next morning on an inflatable lifeboat about 12 miles away from the Joe Cool. Zarabozo claimed that Cuban hijackers had seized the boat at sea and killed the crew. Archer eventually confessed to killing the Branams on the fly bridge of the boat while Zarabozo killed Gamble and Kairy in the cabin below. Zarabozo worked for private investigation and security companies and had a concealed handgun permit. Four days before chartering the Joe Cool, Zarabozo was accepted as an applicant to become a Miami-Dade police officer. Zarabozo was found guilty of the four murders and sentenced to five consecutive terms of life imprisonment and an additional 85 years imprisonment to be served consecutively to the life sentences for the first-degree murders of the crew of the Joe Cool.
Source: “Information Issued by U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of Florida on May 6: Defendant Sentenced on Murder Charges in Connection with Joe Cool Voyage,” (May 6, 2009, Press Release), U.S. Fed News, May 18, 2009; “Joe Cool defendant had applied to become a Miami-Dade cop,” Miami Herald, September 17, 2008; “Joe Cool suspect gullible, jury told,” Miami Herald, September 16, 2008; “High seas mystery full of twists, contradictions,” Associated Press, October 15, 2007; “Lost at sea,” Newsweek, September 28, 2007.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Antonia Olo Duran SUICIDE
Date: May 8, 2007
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On May 8, 2007, concealed handgun permit holder Antonio Olo Duran, 40, shot and killed Richard Scoggins, 39, and then took his own life. According to press reports Maria Bautista, 44, her former boyfriend Duran, and her current boyfriend Scoggins, 39, were “in a love triangle of sorts.” The three had eaten dinner together, had some drinks, and were working on the mobile home where Bautista lived. Duran then made several trips to the bathroom in a short period of time and “started acting erratically.” Following the fourth and final visit to the bathroom he began arguing with Scoggins about “past relationships.” The argument continued outside where Duran pulled out a silver and black semiautomatic handgun and fatally shot Scoggins in the head. As Bautista attempted to help Scoggins, Duran struggled with her. He then put the handgun in his mouth. As Bautista attempted to pull it out he pulled the trigger, killing himself.
Source: “Fight leaves 2 men dead,” Tampa Tribune, May 10, 2007.