Filip Kirilov, a 29-year-old Uber driver from Destin, Florida, was tragically found dead on June 24, 2018. His body was discovered in the driver's seat of his minivan on Okaloosa Island, with the engine still running. Kirilov had been shot three times, and his death was ruled a homicide. The incident occurred around 4:37 a.m., and his body was found at approximately 6:30 a.m. by a passerby who noticed the van in the middle of an intersection.
The passerby called 911, reporting blood on the floor and a bullet hole in the window.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Timothy Layne Anderson, a 35-year-old former taxi driver from Destin. Anderson was charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Authorities believe Anderson used a burner phone to hail an Uber ride under the alias "Joe Smith." Once Kirilov arrived at the destination, Anderson allegedly shot him three times before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage from Kirilov's van captured audio of Anderson instructing Kirilov where to drop him off, followed by the sound of gunshots and Anderson running away.
Anderson's arrest came after a thorough investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. Investigators tracked Anderson's movements through video surveillance from various businesses and discovered that he had purchased the burner phone from a local Walmart 11 days before the shooting. Anderson was apprehended at a McDonald's in Destin and was held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail. During his first court appearance, Anderson was appointed a public defender and declared the charges against him as "unheard of."
The case took a turn when Anderson was declared incompetent to stand trial. Circuit Court Judge William Stone ordered Anderson to be sent to the Florida State Hospital for competency training and evaluation. Despite Anderson's claims of being framed by Uber and his attempts to file lawsuits against the company, the investigation continued. Anderson had a history of criticizing Uber and had tried to recruit other cab drivers to join him in a class-action lawsuit against the company.
Filip Kirilov was remembered by friends and family as a hardworking, kind, and compassionate individual. He worked multiple jobs to support his wife, Kalina, and was well-liked by those who knew him. His death was described as senseless, and his community mourned the loss of a beloved member. The investigation into his murder highlighted the dangers faced by ride-share drivers and underscored the importance of personal security measures for those in the industry.
