Just so you know, the hospital had contacted us a little bit ago and the kid did pass away. >> If you want to hold me, give me 3 or 4 days. I've got to pay estimated taxes. I'm the only one that can do it. >> You just saw Lloyd Preston Brewer, a man worth more than $16 million. Just moments ago, Lloyd took the life of 21-year-old Garrett Hughes and right now thinks he's getting away with it. But what this millionaire does not realize is that his own cameras recorded everything. >> Hello. I just >> Why' you shoot him? >> They came at me aggressively in my parking lot. >> Now Lloyd will take advantage of any law he can. All to walk away from his crimes. >> I mean, it's my parking lot. He's coming at me and I'm going to maintain stand your ground all day long. What I hope comes out of this, I think this is a case for a grand jury. >> On the night of Sunday, February 12th, 2023, every city in America would be watching the Super Bowl, including Key West, Florida. Among the local residents to do so were 21-year-old Garrett Hughes, his brother Carson Hughes, and two of their friends. They celebrated the night at a bar on Roosevelt Boulevard called Kunchtown Liquor and Lounge. However, the young men were completely unaware that in just a few short hours, one of them would have their life cut short. Later into the night, another individual would make his way to the establishment. 57-year-old Lloyd Preston Brewer III. Lloyd was somewhat of a friendly face around the neighborhood. But all of this would change when he made a shocking call to the local authorities around 12:30 a.m. that night, confessing to the unthinkable. >> Hey guys, hello. I just shot someone. >> Who did you shoot? >> Derek Hughes. >> Okay. Why' you shoot him? >> Uh, he came at me aggressively in my parking lot at compound. >> Can you tell me where you hurt him? Where are you injured? Where? >> Uh, in the stomach. >> Is he awake? >> Are you Are you awake? >> Okay. Do me a favor. I need you to put the weapon away. Can you do that for me? >> Yes. The weapon is set aside. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Garrett would not survive his injuries. Now, all eyes were on the shooter. In the following hours, detectives bring Lloyd in for an interview. Through all of this, there would be one major question. Was this incident really only self-defense? And if so, did it fall under Florida's stand your ground law? Florida's stand your ground law allows a person to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat if they reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent death or serious harm. It provides legal immunity from arrest or prosecution if the use of force is justified. >> All right. First they um before we start anything cuz formality I'm going to read your rights. Okay. Um you get your water. I'm going to read you the rights and uh go through this. I'll have you sign it just saying that I read them to you and Yeah. And then I'll just sign it >> and then if you want to I'll have to read them. It's a formality and then you want to give us just I'm here to to listen. >> As detectives read Lloyd his Miranda rights, it is important to note that this is neither Lloyd's first time exhibiting violent behavior nor his first run-in with the law. In 2021, Lloyd was involved in a domestic battery incident where he allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face and then retrieved a gun from the kitchen pantry. Fortunately, he did not fire it and signed a no prosecution agreement. In return, he agreed not to carry firearms or use alcohol excessively for one year and began attending anger management classes. This agreement expired in April 2022 and his domestic battery charge was dismissed. Even before that, in 2005, Lloyd was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and a firearm while he was already under a restraining order. >> I have read this statement of my rights and I understand that my rights are what my rights are. I am willing to make a statement and answer questions. I do not want a lawyer at this time. I understand and I know what I'm doing. I promise no promises or threats has been made to me and no pressure or coercion of any kind has been used against me. Okay, that's very simple. Okay. And a couple barrel cheaters cuz I can't see. All right. Um All right. Uh, pretty much tell me what happened and start if you can just start the I guess the night that you were at contact that night, >> correct? >> Okay. Go ahead and let me know. Tell me tell me what you got. >> I was there for um the Super Bowl. >> Okay. >> Uh I was with um my niece and her boyfriend. Okay. I am now single, so I hung out for a little bit longer um to see if maybe a potential service might show up. >> Okay, >> nothing happened. I was ready to go home. Um I noticed there was a lot of activity going to and from the back door. >> Okay. >> As we have discussed in the past, correct? >> Yes. So I went out back to just see what was going on. As you know, I am armed. Venture my business, my property, >> right? >> I went out back and there was not one, this was not a drug dealer, I don't think, just a guy. And he had buddies with him. And there were there were cars, but he was in between two cars. There were cart and there were people on either side and I guess they were all together. I don't know. They hadn't come from inside the bar. I don't know where they came from. And he's in in the parking lot. >> Okay. >> And on the building. And I said, "Man, can't you just go in the in I'll be honest. Can't you just go in the toilet?" And we exchanged words. And as it progressed, he became more agitated and approached me. And I said, "Look, I own this. Stop." He continued to approach. I said, "I'm armed." It appeared as though he was reaching for something. The first shot went off this way. The second shot went off up in the air. To the best of my recollection, he was already on top of me. it would happen that fast. >> Okay. >> There's no doubt I fired a weapon. >> Okay. >> Because they wouldn't let me wash my hands. >> Yeah. We knew that after >> it it happened. >> All right. >> I immediately once he was down did not continue to assault him. Set my firearm on the hood of a car. >> Okay. >> Awaiting the arrival of the police. I did not render aid because other people showed up to render aid. >> Okay? >> And I know he's got a lot of witnesses. They're going to say a lot of different things. That's what happened from my perspective. >> Okay? >> But I can tell you he was on me so fast that my second shot went in the air. >> Okay. >> It was that fast. >> According to reports, the building that houses the Kunchtown Liquor and Lounge is owned by Lloyd's parents. However, Lloyd is a co-rustee and was tasked with watching over the property in which he allegedly dealt with loitering and drugdeing issues in the parking area. As a result, he has made several complaints to the Key West Police Department in the past and most likely knows a few law enforcement officers. Though, despite what he may think, this isn't going to give him an advantage. >> My property, I've stood my ground. I feared for my life. Period. Okay. On just so I know if you can draw me a little map, you know the property. Draw me a map where like where it was on the on the parking lot. So if the parking lot's back here like this, that's the rear parking lot, right? >> Uhhuh. >> Okay. Let's say this is this is the door for Cocktown right here. >> Okay. Just draw it right there. Show me. Would it say by the trailers or >> No. So there was a like a car there were you know the way the back car park line like this right >> now not over here not not these are the dumpsters >> right >> right here's that Jeep that's been sitting there forever >> yes >> it was approximately here there was a truck parked here after it happened it happened about here >> okay >> I laid my firearm there >> okay when did you when did you make contact with him And as I as I came out >> Uhhuh. >> I was walking this direction, it started here. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And where did did it happen? Did the altercation happen like on the in the parking lot itself or >> in parking lot itself? >> Okay. >> No, no, no, not in the bar. I'm saying like Well, >> were you in between the parking lot? >> In between the cars or was that >> in between in between the cars? >> Okay. Right here. >> All right. >> All of that. As a matter of fact, it'll there's cameras everywhere. >> Okay. So that all of that is a matter of fact. >> Okay. >> And then as he approached me, I identified I own all of this. >> Yeah. >> All my property. >> Okay. >> I identified myself as the owner of the property. I identified myself as being armed. >> He still approached and appeared as though he was going for something. >> Okay. >> That's what did he tell you when you told him about what? Like what? cuz we were going back who you were just going back and forth on this thing and it just I mean that fast. >> Okay. >> It was it was not a long drawn out process. It really wasn't cuz if it had been then his buddies that were here with I mean had they all come in together and it been a fist fight might have ended differently but that dude was agitated already. I mean you can test me for drugs or whatever. I don't know. I I I swear I hope he's okay. I I I I hit him in the abdomen. I don't think I hit him with the second shot cuz the second shot went in the air. It was that fast. So when when it h when the altercation happened um that you all came together, was there any contact with you on him? Did you grab him? Did he grab you? Did was there any uh hand contact? not to my right election. >> Okay. >> It would it happens so fast, but when somebody's coming at you that fast, >> I got you. >> It doesn't it doesn't matter. >> Right. >> Now, if we're going to get into very minute particulars, that's what I'm going to ask for a lawyer. >> Okay? >> Because I'm I'm telling you the overall scope of what happened. And the reason I asked for you is you understand the dynamics of that establishment. >> Yes, I do. And you, so you know, I'm armed all the time. Nature of my business and what goes on back there. And really, all I was doing was walking through here to see what was going on to give you a call if something was happening. >> All right, >> that's it. >> When you contact a lot. >> No, we have And you always tell me people have been doing stuff back there. We got a good relationship. >> In all honesty, I don't think these were I don't think they were doing anything. I think they were just drunk guys. >> Okay. >> They're local, I think. >> Right. >> Um and I can tell you one of them was probably going to try to kill >> based on >> Did they say anything? >> The looks and finally your um officer that did not detain me, >> right? >> Really? He didn't handcuff me, but we went set him on the next steps cuz originally I was looking at the scene and the guy was looking at me like, "Yeah, I'm going to get even with you." And the officer saw it too and he said, "Just come sit over here this direction." >> Lloyd is likely deflecting the conversation to draw a sense of sympathy from the detective. Garrett's loved ones were understandably in a state of shock, but there have not been any reports indicating that they wanted to get even with Lloyd. At the same time, it is clear that he has a strong understanding of Florida's stand your ground law in which citizens can take any measure necessary to defend themselves if they feel that their life is being threatened. This includes the use of deadly force. However, as he maintains that his actions were purely out of self-defense, a certain piece of video footage will reveal that his recollection of events may not be entirely accurate. >> Just so I get it right, you walked out of here. You were walking >> just do you walk you walked out of Countdown and you walk in there when you made when you engaged in the >> and he zipped his pants up and we had words and he came at me. >> Okay. And I mean there's no reason for me to go with a guy that's just other than verbally just, you know, really go to the bar. They got three bathrooms. >> I got you. No. >> Um and I So I don't know beyond that. I I can I didn't know him. He had no reason to have malice for me that I'm aware. >> Right. >> I mean, a lot of people don't. You know that. Yeah, >> I did not recognize him as someone [Music] >> that I'd run into before. >> Okay. All right. Um, and as far as words, you can't remember what he told you or anything like that. >> No, it was all >> I hate to say it, but you know, in the heat of battle, in the heat of the moment, words are exchanged. Yes. Can I be verbally abusive? Yes, I can. But did did I walk up and strike him to cause him to come at me? No. >> Right. Okay. >> Look at my size. >> I mean, >> and I and my recollection is the guy was a little bit taller than I am. >> All right. Did he hit you? Did he strike you? >> No. He came at me in a threatening manner. >> Okay. >> And it appeared as though he was grabbing reaching for something, but he was coming at me. >> All right. And >> did you did you see what he was like what he was reaching at or anything like that? I did not. >> Okay. >> What do you What do you mean by a threatening manner? Like what could be >> going to have his words and like Yeah, we're going to have issues cuz I I mean where where he ended up the best of my recollection was outside here. Okay. >> Behind the cars, >> right? Outside. You tell me if I'm You tell me if I'm incorrect, >> but Yeah. So, he obviously came toward me. Did >> Did you find him here next to the building? >> No. You found him in the middle of the parking lot, >> which is where I was, >> which means he came to me. >> When you came out, where were his friends? There was a friend I Okay, >> I don't know if they were his friends, right? >> But the PE there were other people. There were some over here >> and some over here, but there were cars >> here and here. That's my recollection. So, it was like he was isolated. >> So, he was by himself like stand >> right. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Standing around watching. Right. Right. Right. Right. >> Was there anybody back here by the back door? Anybody hanging out back there? I walk out. I don't believe there was at the time. There was immediately afterwards. Okay. >> With all kinds everywhere. >> All right. >> Afterwards. >> At what point did you draw on him? Was it here? >> When he got when I fired, he was about this close cuz I fired on him. It appeared as though he was reaching for something and he's coming at me. And by the time he got that close, I fired. He's on top of me. >> Okay. Did he fall on you? >> He came down. >> Did he like my second shot went in the air? >> Okay. So, were you fell on you fell on the ground? >> You remember if you fell on the ground and fell back? >> Yeah. I I He came at me. Yeah. Cuz when I broke, but yeah, I got up, but he wasn't on top of the time >> it all ended. He was on the ground. >> Okay. So, I'm just trying to >> Do you remember where he was reaching? Like, was he reaching? >> It looked like in on his side. >> Okay. >> Okay. which is where I carry a firearm. Okay. >> I mean, there was no reason for this. This was >> Do you remember if you were holding the gun with one hand or with two hands? >> Me? >> Mhm. Were you able to actually >> properly I don't know. I will tell you what the best of my recollection is. >> I'm sure it happened pretty fast. >> Two. One. >> Okay. I mean, it was that fast. >> And just forget. So you you walking towards him. Yeah. >> I'm not walking toward him. He's walking toward me. >> Okay. >> Do you want to show >> like >> I'm trying to get like Did you fall? You said you got you you got off the ground. >> Yeah, cuz when he came my second shot went in the air. >> Okay. >> It was that fast. >> Even though Lloyd is completely unaware that Garrett has passed at this point in time, one would normally be at least somewhat emotional after an incident like this. But Lloyd appears indifferent to the entire ordeal. He seems to think that he's in control of the interrogation and confidently affirms that his account is exactly what happened. However, he has also forgotten the fact that there are security cameras posted outside of the bar facing directly toward the parking lot. Luckily, the entire ordeal was caught on video and Lloyd has nowhere to hide. >> And I'm going to maintain your ground all day long. I mean, it's my parking lot. He's coming at me. I I mean I what I hope comes out of this I understand your job and I understand friends don't cross that line for your job. I think this is a case for a grand jury. >> Well, that's that's what we're here. Do you know my job? >> Yep. Uh, I think this is a case for grand jury to investigate all the facts. >> This is something that we we get all the facts. We get all the We get everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. We put everything together and you know, >> and before we do anything, >> I don't want to go to jail tonight. But, you know, I'm not going anywhere. So, you >> take it to a grand jury. >> Well, that's up to the state, Preston. That's we we put everything together. We take it to the state. Then they make that decision. >> But you know you and this you know this wasn't a revenge thing. This wasn't one of the dealers back there. It wasn't like I was hunting somebody. >> I got you. I got you. In no way, shape or form. >> I got you. Um you had gone to the bar earlier. What time you think you got to the bar? >> We watched the whole Super Bowl. >> The whole Super Bowl. Okay. How many drinks you think you might have had? Probably three. >> Oh, three. Was it drinks or beers? Will you drink it? Beers? >> I don't. >> You just drink beer? >> Okay. And what time did you get there? You think? We got the Uber at You got my phone? >> No, they have it, I believe. Um, you got it in there. You got the time that you got the Uber Uber. >> Okay. >> We can look at that. >> So, you had an Uber. Uber took you there. >> You didn't even drive there? >> No. >> Okay. >> So, the Uber took us No, at least we've learned if you bring one or two beers, don't drive cuz FHP is >> everywhere now. >> Lloyd states that he was at the bar with his niece and her boyfriend before the couple left the establishment. It was only a short matter of time after that when all hell broke loose. I'm going to do I'm going to do the swipe swaps in your hand for the uh GSR. >> I I don't deny that I shot a firearm. >> Do you remember what hand you shot it with? Right hand. >> A gunshot residue or GSR test detects particles of gunpowder on a person's hands, clothing, or nearby surfaces, helping to establish whether they recently discharged a firearm or if they were close to one. While Lloyd has already admitted to pulling the trigger, GSR testing is still important. It independently verifies that he fired the weapon, reinforces the prosecution's timeline when the case goes to trial, and eliminates any ambiguity about his physical role in the shooting. In court, this type of forensic corroboration is crucial, especially if the defense later tries to dispute key details or shift blame. And >> as you notice, I didn't run. Didn't hide. set my firearm down as soon as this situation was. Where's the recorder? >> Right here. >> So, am I spending the night in uh >> I don't know. We're going to this this what we're doing. And I'll be perfectly honest with you. Um we're going to put everything together. Your story, their story. Um >> one of me and probably five or six of them. >> And that and that's fine. We it goes to the state. We tell them what what we're going to do and they'll make the decision of how they want to proceed. If they're going to take it to grand jury, if they're going to either way, we just we just and you know how we operate. you know me for a long time. I'm not going to if if and I know that you you got plenty of roots here. So based on what the state assess, we'll give them both sides. We'll give them and they'll make a decision. Um and you'll be you'll know. So right now we're just putting everything together. You coming forward, you're talking to us. We'll give them that and then they'll they'll make the decision of how they want. I'm not hiding what happened. So, no, I understand that you've always been up front with me with no problem. So, we just put everything together, you know, and then we we we give it to them and it'll go from there. >> So, here's what I would ask. If if you want to hold me for whatever reason, give me three or four days. Here's why. I'm a oneman shop. I've got to pay estimated taxes. I'm the only one that can do it. Okay? I've got to be in my office. I don't care if you come and sit with me to make sure I don't go anywhere, right? >> But I I've got to be able to do that. >> Well, and that's just for >> I can't make that decision and and I'm going to tell you I can't make that decision. That's not on me to make. But um it's something that we'll have to talk to the state about. Okay. And like I said, I've always been upfront with you. There's nothing I had to you know, you know, I have to do my job as far as no matter what it is, >> but I'll have to really got to run everything through the state and through our boss. >> Can I ask you how the fellow's doing >> right now? He's uh critical. >> Would you consent to getting some buckle swabs from you for um DNA? >> No. >> Okay. You already have my DNA, I think. >> Why do you need my DNA? Cuz when we do the case, when we do cases, we get DNA for everything. We just match up DNA in case we need it later on for the case, we have it. So, I mean, it's not a big deal. If anything, if we do need it, we just get we do the first one and get it. It's not a big deal um at all. We'll uh I ask in case the person wants to do it and get it done with, but if not, it's it's just if we have to get it, we'll just do paperwork. >> I mean, there was no blood, there was no fist. I mean, [Music] >> I don't think they did. He's we're not going to do the buckle swaps, >> which is fine. >> Okay. Oh, perfect. Take just take a picture of that. >> Oh, you do have those. Okay. >> Yeah, >> but you don't have my phone back yet. Or my meds. >> As soon as they get the meds, we'll get them. >> It's strange that Lloyd refuses to submit to a quick buckle swab considering that he has complied with everything else. However, the detective isn't going to press the issue. In addition, although Garrett passed away hours before this interrogation took place, the detective is most likely not revealing this information to keep Lloyd talking. If the suspect knows the truth, he may ask for a lawyer before going any further. However, given his demeanor, he feels confident enough to speak without one regardless. >> Does anybody else have access to the surveillance system other than yourself? for the parking lot. >> Oh, I need to get in there and look at it. >> Are you the only one that has the capability to do that or is there somebody else that has has access? >> There is somebody else, but I don't give you permission yet. >> You understand that we're going to need to be able to see that? Mhm. >> You understand? We're going to need to be able to see the video. >> Mhm. >> Unfortunately, that's one of the few spots that isn't clear [Music] >> cuz I don't have a camera sitting right here, >> right? >> Of course, there's no audio. It's illegal audio. Fortunately, law enforcement does not need permission from the suspect to access video surveillance footage. However, their findings would leave them with even more questions, with one looming much larger than the others. Was Lloyd acting in self-defense, or was this a callous murder? The video footage shows an intoxicated Garrett walking into the parking lot at 12:26 a.m., still drinking while making his way to the side of the building across from the bar, a building which does not belong to Lloyd. It appears that Garrett's brother and friend remain outside to wait for him. Within a matter of seconds, Lloyd suddenly comes into view and exchanges a few words with the men before setting his sights on Garrett. But it seems that Lloyd's hand is already reaching for the firearm on his waistband. Garrett slowly makes his way toward Lloyd, unaware of what will happen. It looks as though the pair is speaking, but only for a short time. Garrett takes a few more steps in which Lloyd seemingly pulls out his 9mm semi-automatic pistol, firing directly toward the 21-year-old. Finally, he charges forward, taking them both to the ground. Though it cannot be confirmed, it does not appear that Garrett was acting aggressively toward the shooter. Seeing as Lloyd is somewhat of an acquaintance with one of the detectives, he probably thinks that they will take his word alone. But he has another thing coming. So, what's the overunder on me going to brick hotel tonight? >> Hotel. That's a good way of putting it. We're still working out all the details. So, we're not we're not making that decision right this second. >> I would like to get in touch with my lawyer. I've asked three times and was denied the ability. >> When did you ask for that? >> When I was detained at the scene. >> Okay. and I was downstairs. >> Okay. Um, who is your attorney? >> D. >> I'm not saying I refuse to cooperate. I'm saying I would like to confer with counsel. >> Sure. Okay. I am not sure where your phone is, but it >> I don't know. Though it is not confirmed as to whether or not Lloyd asked for a lawyer before this conversation, he still agreed to sit down with detectives and waved his rights at the beginning of the interrogation. >> Before we go, um just one question I want to ask because once we get everything and go to the state when the guy came, you said the guy came towards you. Do you remember anything or any type of threatening things that he told you or anything that he made? Actions? I know you said he was coming to aggressively >> get me taller than I was. >> All right. >> Did he show anything like did you remember anything? Hand maneuvers, hand things. Do you remember anything? >> It it was just that fast. No. >> Okay. All right. Um, all right. So, I think the cover roll. We can take you out there, get that done, and we got to do what we got to do. Um, also, >> but I've got it asked again to speak to my attorney. >> So, that's fine. Then I won't ask you anything else if you want to talk to your attorney. >> Well, I'm further. >> Okay. Um, that's fine if that's what that and that's fine. That's totally your right to do it. Um, we're going to we're going to go ahead and get you to the hospital and once you get done with what you got to do, we'll get you you can give them a call. So, we'll get we'll get it done. Right now, we're not going to ask you anything else. We do have a warrant. We do have a warrant for the flood which is signed by a judge. >> So, that'll be done. Um, >> do me a favor, Mr. Burr. Can you sign and date this for me? Just shows that obviously you're the person that drew that picture. I don't have my glasses on. You're >> fine. I can read you. You want the cheaters again? >> What is it? The 11. >> Um, today's a 13. >> 13. 13. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. We'll take that. This could go. Where does the shop res? >> What was that residue? that right now is not showing any negative on it. Yeah. >> And it could happen at at some point these skits will show negative. All right, Preston. Um, just so you know, I'm always upfront with you, walked in with you. The hospital had contacted us a little bit ago. I just talked to the detective that was out there and the the the kid did pass away. So, I just want to let you know that, right? Um, unfortunate thing, but I I got to tell you too long and there's no need to to hold anything back, but um we're going to do the blood draw. They'll give you your medication out there and then um we'll right while you're doing that, we're going to do what we got to do and then see what those what avenue the state wants to take. Okay. All right. They'll uh they'll take you now. The gentleman that went downstairs will take you out there. >> What's the overunder on this? You're honest with me. What's the overunder? >> Everything's going to be bearing on what the state. They're the ones that know the stand your ground law better than any of us. We'll present it to them and see what they say. Okay. We got their story, your story. You were honest with us with what you said. Um, and we just let them go. It's very the the stand your ground the state. We've had these cases before where they the ones that know that they they know that law better than us. >> Following this interview, the Key West community rallied behind Garrett's family. A benefit concert on April 8th, 2023 led by local rapper Mike Stack raised over $50,000 for a scholarship fund in Garrett's name. In a bittersweet turn of events, his parents later reached a confidential settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit, receiving ownership of the Kunchtown liquor and lounge property where the shooting occurred. It now remains permanently closed. As for Lloyd, he was charged with seconddegree murder with a deadly weapon without premeditation, aggravated assault, and also with violation of a concealed firearm permit. When he went to trial, Lloyd's self-defense claim became the core of his legal strategy as his attorney filed a motion to dismiss charges under Florida stand your ground laws. However, that argument has long since collapsed in court. In February of 2025, after a full evidentiary hearing, a Monroe County judge ruled that Brewer was not entitled to immunity under Florida stand your ground law. The judge concluded that Brewer was in fact the aggressor when he shot an unarmed, intoxicated Garrett Hughes at close range. The court ruled that Lloyd had no reasonable belief that he was in imminent danger, and a path was cleared for a jury trial on firstdegree murder charges. As of summer 2025, Lloyd's legal team has appealed the judge's ruling on stand your ground immunity, which has resulted in the case being placed in a temporary holding pattern. Simultaneously, Lloyd has also been granted a $3 million bond under strict conditions. He must surrender firearms, be placed on house arrest, and have no contact with Garrett's family. No further trial date has been set as an appellet court weighs its decision.