Lloyd Preston Brewer, 57, a Florida businessman and strip mall owner, has been accused of second-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing Garrett Hughes, a 21-year-old man he found urinating on the side of his building behind the Conch Town Liquor & Lounge on Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West, Florida. The incident occurred after midnight on February 13.
Surveillance footage shows Hughes urinating on the building when Brewer approaches and confronts him. Brewer then raises his arms and shoots Hughes in the abdomen.
Brewer made a 911 call immediately after the shooting, claiming that he acted in self-defense because he alleges that Hughes was coming toward him in an aggressive manner. However, investigators disputed Brewer’s self-defense claim because the surveillance footage did not support his interpretation of the event. Brewer himself couldn’t identify any threatening behavior from Hughes or that the young man possessed a weapon. The police report stated that Brewer went into a shooting stance before firing the fatal shot at Hughes.
Brewer’s defense attorney, Chris Mancini, challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the surveillance video and argued for a “Stand Your Ground” defense.
In addition, Hughes’ parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Brewer and others, claiming they were negligent in serving Brewer excessive amounts of alcohol that may have led to the unprovoked shooting of an unarmed man.
Following his arraignment in February, Brewer has been held without bond in Monroe County Jail. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing on May 3.
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” defense law allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense and they are not required to back off. If people believe they are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, they are legally permitted to use deadly force to defend themselves.
The law provides immunity from prosecution or civil action, if the assailant acted lawfully and reasonably in the incident.
However, it is important to note that the use of deadly force must be justified and reasonable. If it is found that the use of deadly force was excessive or unwarranted, the individual can still face criminal prosecution.
The law has been controversial since it was enacted, with critics arguing that it can lead to more violence and the unnecessary use of force. Proponents of the law argue that it is a necessary measure to protect individuals who may be in danger and who have no other means of defending themselves.