Suncoast: A Grand Jury has returned a True Bill of Indictment for 1st Degree Murder against four individuals
Scoop Publisher Francesco Abbruzzino
A Grand Jury has returned a True Bill of Indictment for 1st Degree Murder on Amado Zeppi, James Brewer, Michael Hepner and Coty Paulk for the 09/17/2019 homicide of Mohammed Hamed.
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UPDATE: (5/5/20)
After extensive investigation probable cause was developed for Coty Paulk (DOB: 8/14/98) identifying him as the fourth and final suspect in the murder of Hamed Mohammed and robbery at the Green Galaxy Smoke and Vape Shop on 9/17/19.
Paulk was located on 5/4 and arrested without incident.
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UPDATE: (9/20/19)
James Brewer (DOB: 9/6/2000) and Michael Hepner (DOB: 9/6/1998) have been arrested for the murder of Mohammed Hamed.
On 9/17/19, James Brewer exited a silver vehicle driven by Michael Hepner and entered the Green Galaxy Smoke and Vape Shop in an attempt to distract the owner. Amado Zeppi and an unknown black male exited the same vehicle shortly after and entered the store armed with an SKS rifle and bayonet with their faces covered.
Brewer fled out the front door and got back in the vehicle driven by Hepner.
Hamed was ordered to the back of the store and forced to open a safe. The assailants packed a bag full of items from the store, and the unknown B/M exited the rear of the store. Zeppi continued to point his weapon at Hamed, and then unprovoked, he swung the firearm striking Hamed with the bayonet end. The firearm fired upon striking Hamed, killing him.
All the men fled with Hepner driving the vehicle.
Brewer and Hepner are both charged with 2nd degree murder. Amado Zeppi (DOB: 4/25/99) was arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder on 9/19/19 after probable cause established Zeppi as the shooter.
Detectives are currently searching for one suspect. The investigation continues.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact MCSO at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS.
(Michael Hepner’s mugshot will be sent in an update to this release once it is available.)
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UPDATE: (09/19/19)
Amado Alexander Zeppi (DOB: 04/25/99) has been arrested for the murder of Mohammed Hamed. Based on evidence, probable cause was established placing Zeppi at the scene and establishing him as the shooter in this case. He is charged with second degree murder at this time.
Hamed was fatally shot during a robbery at the Green Galaxy Smoke and Vape Shop (3212 1st Street W. Bradenton) on 09/17/19.
Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of both weapons used in the offense and some other evidence. Detectives are still looking for two others suspects involved in this case. The investigation continues.
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DAY OF WEEK TuesdayINCIDENT DATE 09/17/2019 TIME 2300 hrs.
Case Number: 2019-025506
Incident Type: HOMICIDE Business/Subdivision: Green Galaxy Smoke Shop / Oasis Plaza
Location: 3212 1st Street West, Bradenton Zone: W10
Victim(s): Hamed, Mohammed J. Race/Sex: W/M Victim(s) D.O.B: 10/05/1995
Suspect(s): Race/Sex: X2 MALES
At approximately 11 pm on 09/18/19 the reporting party called and stated that by remote video surveillance he could see two people with guns pointing them at his brother. He stated that his brother was on the ground.
Deputies arrived on scene, established a perimeter, and cleared the open business. In the back room, Mohammed Hamed (23) was found deceased.
Detectives have been collecting evidence and are in the process of following up on some leads. It appears to have been a robbery attempt. For investigative reasons the manner of violence used is not being released at this time.