Kevin Carter, aged 51, tragically lost his life on August 4, 2017, during a robbery at the Zota Beach Resort in Longboat Key, Florida. Carter, who worked as a security guard for Victory Security, was on duty alongside Timothy Hurley, the night desk manager, when the incident occurred. The robbery, which took place in the early hours of the morning, resulted in both men being fatally shot.
The assailant, Darryl Hanna Jr., a former part-time security guard at the resort, was arrested on August 9, 2017. Hanna was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of armed robbery. The robbery netted a mere $900, adding to the senselessness of the crime.
The aftermath of the murders saw a wave of grief and shock throughout the Longboat Key community. Kevin Carter was remembered as a gentle giant, a 6-foot-5 teddy bear who was deeply devoted to his family and friends. His partner of 24 years, Thomas Swigeart, spoke of Carter's caring nature and the significant role he played in their lives. Similarly, Timothy Hurley was remembered for his selflessness and dedication to his family, providing for his mother and three sisters, and raising his niece and two cousins.
In the legal proceedings that followed, Darryl Hanna Jr. experienced a stroke-like incident while in jail, which left him in a vegetative state. As a result, he was released from custody to receive medical care, with the possibility of prosecution if he regained consciousness. However, Hanna later died, closing that chapter of the case. The families of the victims sought justice through a wrongful death lawsuit against the Zota Beach Resort and Victory Security Agency, arguing that the deaths were both preventable and foreseeable. The lawsuit highlighted the alleged negligence of the resort and the security firm in failing to perform basic checks that could have prevented the tragedy.
Years later, in January 2024, a second suspect, Latoya Hanna, Darryl Hanna Jr.'s twin sister, was arrested and charged with felony murder in connection to the 2017 double homicide. The arrest came after a six-year investigation involving the Longboat Key Police Department, the Manatee County Homicide Investigative Unit, and the FBI. Latoya Hanna remains in custody, facing a capital offense punishable by life in prison. The case continues to unfold, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
The deaths of Kevin Carter and Timothy Hurley left an indelible mark on their families and the Longboat Key community. Their memories are cherished by those who knew them, and the pursuit of justice for their untimely deaths remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of community support in the face of tragedy.
