A 26-year-old man from Venezuela, Carlos Suarez-Contreras, has been charged in connection with the death of 82-year-old Deborah Murphy, who was struck by an SUV while walking in a crosswalk outside a Publix in Panama City Beach, Florida, on May 17. According to court records, Murphy was hit by a Toyota 4Runner driven by Suarez-Contreras, who was reportedly in the United States illegally. The vehicle backed over her, leading to her injuries, which later resulted in her death at a hospital.
Suarez-Contreras has pleaded not guilty to charges of driving with a canceled license and causing a death. His passenger, Luis Sanabria, 29, also in the country illegally, reportedly left the scene but later returned when contacted by law enforcement. Sanabria had an expired visa and was released into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Suarez-Contreras is currently being held without bond due to his immigration status and is considered a potential flight risk. He is scheduled for arraignment on August 17 at the Bay County Courthouse. Murphy's family expressed their determination to seek justice for her death, describing her as a vibrant individual who impacted many lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 16% of fatal traffic crashes in the U.S. involved drivers with invalid licenses in 2024. In Florida, there were 10,501 pedestrian-related crashes reported that year, resulting in 678 deaths.