Incident in Panama City Beach Involves Fatal Accident

A man from Venezuela has been charged in the death of an 82-year-old woman after he reportedly backed into her SUV outside a grocery store in Panama City Beach, Florida. The incident involved Carlos Suarez Contreras, 26, who allegedly struck Deborah Murphy with his Toyota 4Runner while she was using a crosswalk in a Publix parking lot on May 17.

Following the collision, it appears the vehicle continued moving backward even after Murphy fell, as detailed in reports from the Florida Highway Patrol. Unfortunately, she was later taken to a hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Additionally, police records indicate that Luis Sanabria, 29, was a passenger at the time. His visa had expired, and he reportedly confirmed to authorities on the scene that Suarez Contreras was behind the wheel during the accident.

Post-incident, both men were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and subsequently booked into the Bay County Sheriff’s Office jail, as noted in court records.

In the meantime, Suarez Contreras has pleaded not guilty to charges related to operating a vehicle on a revoked license from Georgia and causing a death.

“We are determined to find justice and hold Mr. Suarez-Contreras accountable for his reckless actions,” said Beth Schultz and Amy Edge, the daughters of Murphy. “She touched the lives of many as a wonderful friend, teacher, mother, and grandmother.”

Suarez Contreras is set to appear for arraignment on August 17 at the Bay County Courthouse in Panama City, Florida.