Community Shares Grief, Remembers Garrett Hughes After Verdict in Conchtown Shooting
Friends, family and youth sports leaders reflect on legacy as case concludes.
As a jury verdict was returned Wednesday in the criminal case stemming from the fatal shooting of Garrett Hughes, members of the Hughes family, friends and community leaders took to Facebook, other social media platforms and private text messages to express condolences, share memories and reflect on the lasting legacy of a young man they describe as a mentor, athlete and role model.
The verdict marked the conclusion of one of the most significant murder cases in recent Key West history, involving two prominent Conch families — Hughes, the 21-year-old son of the longtime Key West High School football coach, and Lloyd Brewer, the 60-year-old son of a well-known local investor. Civil proceedings connected to the case wrapped up last year.
The shooting followed a day of drinking and Super Bowl gatherings on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. What began as a celebratory weekend for much of the island instead gave way to tragedy in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 13.
Trial testimony established that Hughes was shot behind the now-defunct Conchtown Lounge on North Roosevelt Boulevard, in a building and parking lot owned by Brewer. Prosecutors said Brewer confronted Hughes after Hughes urinated on a nearby building that was not owned by Brewer, an encounter that escalated into the fatal shooting.
Stuart Grossman, who represented the Hughes family during the civil portion of the case, said the conclusion of the criminal proceedings brought a measure of resolution after a long and emotionally difficult process.
“Justice for the Hughes family and for all of our precious Key West community,” Grossman said. “It was a long haul, but two superb judges — Wilson and Jones — guided these cases with steady hands and determination. It was a remarkable experience.”
Friends who grew up with Hughes shared tributes online and through private messages, describing how the loss reshaped their lives.
“Garrett was my close friend in high school,” said Derrick Medina. “I was devastated by his death. Over the years, I’ve come to accept the reality of it. I live on for him, because I know that’s what he wanted — for all of us to live on.”
River Sorrows reflected on how quickly the encounter turned fatal and how deeply Hughes’ loss continues to resonate across the community.
“Garrett was taken too soon over someone who couldn’t manage his emotions,” Sorrows said. “It cost this beautiful child — who made so many people smile — his life. It breaks me every time I think of how many lives he touched and how seconds mattered in this man’s life. So beautiful. So happy. Too young.”
Hughes’ influence extended beyond his peers and into Key West’s youth sports programs, where he coached and mentored younger athletes. Parents and former players shared photos and stories recalling his impact.
“Garrett was such a big part of the youth lacrosse team and middle school football team,” said Vanessa Grissinger, whose son was coached by Hughes. “It broke my heart when my son came home and fell apart in my arms asking how someone could do this to his coach. I will never forget the sound of him crying.”
Grissinger said Hughes’ memory lives on through the players he coached, many of whom continue to wear “LLGH” stickers on their helmets.
“Gone but truly never forgotten,” she said.
Danny Payne, who worked alongside Hughes in youth lacrosse, said the outpouring of tributes reflects the depth of the Hughes family’s involvement in the community.
“I’ve never seen an entire family show up so hard for our youth,” Payne said. “Garrett, his brothers and his dad didn’t just help — they took the ball and ran with it. The kids hung on every word, every lesson and every drill. He will continue to be missed by his family and this community.”
Others emphasized the emotional toll on Hughes’ family, particularly his mother.
“May his family have some peace,” said Katie Carroll. “They will never be the same. Such a tragedy. So senseless.”
Community members who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting said the moment remains seared in memory.
“I live across the street, and the sirens and lights made my heart instantly sink,” said Britt Gordon. “He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him — dreams, goals, everything — taken in the blink of an eye.”
While acknowledging that no legal outcome can fully compensate for the loss of life, Gordon and others said the verdict brought accountability.
“Justice, nonetheless,” she said.
Former classmates and parents echoed similar sentiments, recalling Hughes as kind, driven and universally respected.
“My son said he was the nicest kid at Key West High School,” said Michelle Dravis. “Everyone knew he had a bright future. Garrett was sweet to everyone he met, a gifted athlete and a good student.”
Erik Eriksen, who attended the Monroe County Fire Academy with Hughes in Grassy Key, recalled their time training together.
“I went to Firefighter Academy with Garrett at MCFA in Grassy Key,” Eriksen said. “He was awesome to spend time with and someone I was honored to share the drill ground with. As silly as it sounds, one of my favorite memories was making coffee for everyone in the academy — obviously including Garrett — and sharing many laughs and conversations with him and others.”
Steven Bowman offered a brief but heartfelt tribute that echoed across social media.
“He was such a great kid,” Bowman said.
As the case concludes, community members said Hughes’ legacy endures through the lives he touched, particularly the young athletes who continue to play the sports he loved.
“May we never forget his smile and laughter,” said Abby Clawson.
Christian Hope echoed a sentiment repeated across social media and text messages Wednesday.
“So happy justice was served,” Hope said. “A young life taken too soon.”
A jury unanimously convicted Brewer of first-degree premeditated murder. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before Judge Mark Jones on Feb. 26 at the Monroe County Courthouse. Brewer faces a mandatory life sentence but is expected to appeal the verdict.