Samuel J. Hassler, 40, of Panama City Beach, Florida, was killed on July 30, 2020, at the Cabana West Apartments. He was found with a single gunshot wound after going to the unit to contact his girlfriend, who was staying there. Hassler was known to the occupants and had stayed at the apartment several times before.

A verbal altercation between Hassler and 58-year-old resident Robert Larry Butler ended when Butler shot Hassler once. Deputies arrived about 4:47 a.m. and found Butler with stab wounds; Hassler’s girlfriend had, fearing for her life, used a knife and cut Butler before leaving the apartment. Butler was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm; he later told the court he shot Hassler because he feared for his life and the defense said heavy drug use by those involved contributed to the chaotic situation.

The jury acquitted Butler after a four-day trial that ended in a not guilty verdict on February 16, 2023. Does anyone have additional information about Hassler or that night at Cabana West Apartments?