LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A Lake County jury has found 46-year-old Bryan Matthew Hamill guilty of First-Degree Murder and Grand Theft Motor Vehicle in the brutal 2023 killing of 91-year-old John Taylor. The verdict was reached late yesterday after a brief deliberation, bringing a tragic chapter to a close for the victim’s grieving family.
On February 15, 2023, deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a call reporting a fall at a home on Starwood Lane in Clermont. Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel were treating Taylor, who was discovered by a caregiver lying in a pool of blood in his bedroom.
Taylor sustained a severe head injury, later determined to have been caused by blunt force trauma. Despite receiving medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
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Authorities immediately noted the absence of Taylor’s vehicle, raising suspicions. Investigators learned that two roommates, 36-year-old Brandi Dale and Hamill, also lived in the home.
The following day, deputies located Taylor’s vehicle in Groveland and conducted a traffic stop. Dale was driving the car, with Hamill in the passenger seat. Both were taken in for questioning.
Through witness statements, forensic analysis, and evidence gathered from the crime scene, investigators concluded that Hamill had attacked Taylor. DNA evidence confirmed Hamill’s presence on the baseball bat used in the assault.
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Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek led the prosecution, presenting compelling evidence and expert testimony from Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) analysts. The jury ultimately delivered a guilty verdict for First-Degree Murder and Grand Theft Motor Vehicle.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family as they continue to grieve this devastating loss,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “The verdict in this case reflects the gravity of this senseless and violent act that claimed an innocent life. It also serves as a powerful reminder that such crimes will be met with justice.”
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The case was a collaborative effort involving LCSO detectives, deputies, crime scene investigators, and FDLE analysts. Special recognition was given to LCSO Det. C. Watkins and a team of investigators, including Dets. Z. Williams, K. Morrison, Deputies L. Montalvo, and J. McKinley, along with CSIs G. Crews and I. Bustamante.
Hamill is expected to face sentencing in the coming weeks.
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