Mohammed J. Hamed, a 23-year-old male from Bradenton, FL, tragically lost his life on September 17, 2019, during a robbery at the Green Galaxy Smoke and Vape Shop. Hamed, who was operating the shop with his brother, was shot and killed by armed intruders. The incident occurred when James Brewer, one of the suspects, entered the store to distract the owner. Shortly after, Amado Zeppi and Coty Paulk, both armed and with their faces covered, entered the store.
Brewer then left the store and joined Michael Hepner, who was waiting in a car outside. Hamed was forced to the back of the store and ordered to open a safe. Zeppi and Paulk filled a bag with store items, and Paulk left the store. Zeppi, however, continued to point his gun at Hamed and struck him with it, causing the gun to discharge and fatally wound Hamed. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video, which Hamed's brother watched remotely, unable to intervene.
Following the incident, law enforcement swiftly acted to apprehend the suspects. Amado Zeppi, 21 at the time, was the first to be arrested on September 19, 2019. James Brewer, 21, and Michael Hepner, 22, were arrested the following day. Coty Paulk was arrested later on May 4, 2020. Initially, all four suspects were charged with second-degree murder. However, a Manatee County grand jury later indicted them for first-degree murder. The indictment was based on the evidence that Zeppi had unprovokedly struck Hamed with the gun, leading to the fatal shot.
The legal proceedings saw significant developments over the following years. In November 2022, a Manatee County jury convicted Amado Zeppi and Coty Paulk of first-degree murder. Both men were found guilty of their roles in the robbery and the subsequent death of Mohammed Hamed. Paulk was sentenced to life in prison on each count, while Zeppi's sentencing was scheduled for a later date. The other two suspects, James Brewer and Michael Hepner, entered pleas and testified against Zeppi and Paulk, providing crucial evidence that led to their convictions.
The death of Mohammed J. Hamed, a young man described as peaceful and possessing a beautiful soul, left his family and community heartbroken. His funeral was held at the Islamic Community of Tampa Mosque, where loved ones gathered to pay their final respects. The family continues to seek justice and closure, holding onto the hope that the legal system will fully address the tragedy that befell their loved one.
