Adam Alexander Bunkerboy Amoia, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Saint Augustine, Florida, tragically lost his life on May 29, 2021, following a fatal shooting incident outside the Dos Gatos cocktail lounge in downtown Saint Augustine. The altercation that led to his death occurred in the early hours of the morning, shortly before 2 a.m., when Amoia and a friend were standing outside the bar.
According to reports, Amoia was involved in a confrontation with Luis Arthur Casado, a 30-year-old local businessman. Casado claimed that Amoia had struck him in the face multiple times, causing his glasses to fall off and rendering him "legally blind" and in fear for his life. In response, Casado pulled out a handgun and shot Amoia, resulting in his death at the scene.
The case quickly garnered significant attention due to Casado's invocation of Florida's "stand your ground" law. This law allows individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. Casado's defense argued that he acted in self-defense, fearing for his life after being attacked by Amoia. The toxicology report revealed that Amoia had a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.266, well above the legal limit of 0.08, and also had marijuana and prescription drugs in his system at the time of his death.
Casado was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony, and carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited establishment, a second-degree misdemeanor. He turned himself into the police on June 29, 2021, and was released on bail the same day. The legal proceedings included a series of pretrial hearings where Casado's attorney sought to gather witness statements to support the "stand your ground" defense. Surveillance video from the scene and witness testimonies were crucial elements in the case.
In December 2022, a judge granted Casado's motion to dismiss the murder charges, ruling that the shooting was justifiable self-defense under the "stand your ground" law. This decision brought a complex and emotionally charged case to a close, leaving Amoia's family and friends to grapple with their loss and the legal outcome. Throughout the legal process, Amoia's family remained hopeful for justice, holding vigils and memorials to honor his memory and keep his legacy alive.
