Venezuelan Man Charged in Florida Woman’s Death

A Venezuelan man allegedly in the U.S. illegally stands accused of causing the death of an elderly Florida woman with an SUV in a grocery store parking lot.

Incident Details

On May 17, Deborah Murphy, 82, was returning to her car in a crosswalk outside a Publix in Panama City Beach. She was struck by a Toyota 4Runner, which pushed her to the ground and continued to back over her, according to court records. The tragic event led to her death from injuries sustained in the crash.

Authorities identified Carlos Suarez-Contreras, 26, as the driver. Luis Sanabria, 29, was his passenger. Both men were determined to be in the U.S. illegally, as per the arrest records.

Legal Proceedings

Suarez-Contreras faces charges of driving with a canceled license and causing death, classified as a third-degree felony. His license from Georgia had been revoked, arrest records reveal. Sanabria provided sworn testimony that Suarez-Contreras was driving during the crash.

Suarez-Contreras submitted a written plea of not guilty. Florida Highway Patrol records indicate he is held without bond due to his immigration status and potential flight risk.

Immigration Status

Under Florida law, illegal immigrants are not eligible for state-issued driver’s licenses. However, 19 states and the District of Columbia issue licenses to unauthorized residents.

Sanabria fled the scene initially but returned after being contacted by Suarez-Contreras. His visa was found to be expired. He was released into ICE custody.

Family’s Response

Murphy’s twin daughters expressed determination to see justice for their mother. They recalled her as a cherished friend, teacher, and grandmother.

One of Murphy’s grandchildren compiled a collection of her reflections, highlighting her aspirations for future generations.

Statistics on Pedestrian Crashes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16% of fatal crashes involved drivers with invalid licenses in 2024. That year, 7,080 pedestrians died in traffic accidents, and over 71,000 were injured.

Florida reported 10,501 pedestrian-related crashes in 2024, leading to 678 fatalities. The NHTSA lists backing without looking as a common cause of pedestrian accidents.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services confirmed the cancellation of Suarez-Contreras’ license but cited privacy reasons for withholding specifics.

Defense’s Claims

Russell Ramey, Suarez-Contreras’ attorney, contended that his client’s actions were unfortunate but not criminal. He maintains that no crime was committed concerning the charges.