Key West real estate investor faces murder charges

A Key West real estate investor has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violation of the state’s concealed weapons law following a tragic incident outside a local bar in February. 

Lloyd Preston Brewer III, a 57-year-old patron who owns the building, but not the bar itself, confronted and shot the victim, 21-year-old Garrett Hughes, on Super Bowl Sunday, the Miami Herald reported. 

The grand jury made the decision on Thursday, shocking the Southernmost City, which is known for its popularity among tourists and relatively low crime rates.

Hughes, was a former standout high school athlete from a well-known family in town. His father is the head football coach at Key West High School. 

The incident unfolded after midnight on Feb. 13, when Hughes was seen urinating on the outside wall of Conch Town Liquor and Lounge on North Roosevelt Boulevard a few hours after the Super Bowl.

Brewer claimed to have consumed three beers that night, although authorities argue that he likely had more and was intoxicated. 

Security camera footage captured Brewer approaching Hughes, lifting his shirt, and firing at least one shot into Hughes’ torso. Despite the efforts of his friends and medical personnel, Hughes died at Lower Keys Medical Center.

Brewer, who pleaded not guilty, asserted that he acted in self-defense. However, Assistant Monroe County State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said Hughes was unarmed and never posed a threat to Brewer. 

In an interrogation video, Brewer explained that he felt threatened when Hughes approached him in a confrontational manner and appeared to reach for something at his waistband. Brewer claimed he warned Hughes about being armed and fired two shots, with one striking Hughes and the other fired into the air.

— Ted Glanzer