Detectives searching for suspect in fatal shooting

PALMETTO Detectives are searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man Friday night in Palmetto.

Terry McDonald, 24, is wanted on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Robert Eugene Brewer, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

At about 7:45 p.m. Friday, deputies were called to the 2300 block of First Avenue East in Palmetto to reports of a shooting. Brewer was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, authorities said.

Brewer was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after deputies had arrived, the sheriff’s office reported.

Detectives were interviewing possible witnesses Friday night and were able to develop McDonald as a suspect.

McDonald is familiar to local law enforcement. He is currently on probation for convictions of possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, possession of heroin, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended, revoked or expired license.

His prior record also includes convictions for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.

Brewer, himself, was no stranger to detectives.

Less than a year ago Brewer was charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 19, 2015, death of 27-year-old Kevin McCants, but those charges were later dropped by the State Attorney’s Office when one witness recanted and another would not positively identify the shooter.

At least two witnesses had initially identified Brewer as the shooter, according to detectives, when he and up to three other men had allegedly called McCants to a black Toyota Camry in the 1000 block of 33rd Avenue East in Bradenton and shot him to death.

A warrant had been issued within hours of the fatal shooting, but law enforcement did not find Brewer until March 15. Bradenton police officers spotted him, but when they attempted a traffic stop, Brewer fled. He was apprehended after crashing the car and running off.

Brewer was still facing charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, driving without a driver’s license and leaving the scene of a crash, stemming from that arrest. He was scheduled to go to trial on those charges during the two-week trial period that begins Monday.

Brewer was a convicted felon who served five and half months for a robbery conviction from 2013.

Anyone with information about the case can call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011, ext. 2519. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or submit an e-tip at manateecrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published January 21, 2017 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Detectives searching for suspect in fatal shooting."