Two men charged for their alleged connection to the shooting death of a former Army Ranger Christmas night outside a South Florida casino appeared in bond court Tuesday.
Fernando Duarte, 33, walked out of the Miccosukee Resort and Casino after winning a prize from a slot machine when he was shot. Duarte was rushed to Kendall Regional Hospital where he later died. He was a 12-year Army veteran, who family says served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Officials later charged 25-year-old Kenin Bailey and 25-year-old Mikey Lenard in the case. During an hours-long bond court hearing Tuesday, officials revealed two possible motives behind the deadly shooting. Miccosukee police say it was murder, but one of the suspects is claiming self-defense.
Police said the incident stemmed from an argument between the victim and the suspects at a poker table inside the casino. Detectives said Duarte and his friend were asked to leave. When the men crossed paths again outside the parking lot, they again exchanged words. When the men got into their cars, police said the suspects actively sought out Duarte alone in his car.
According to a police report, Bailey allegedly shot Durate while driving past him, hitting the victim once in the shoulder, pelvis and hand. His friend ran to him to try to help out.
Detectives say Bailey then walked up to a security guard and told him he shot Duarte in self defense. Detectives say the Army veteran was unarmed.
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Both men are charged with first degree murder in the case and currently being held on no bond.
