No charges likely in fatal shooting of Bradenton man at Hookah Lounge, cops say

A 33-year-old Bradenton man who was gunned down early Saturday at the Hookah Lounge in Sarasota was killed in self defense, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Morris Dewayne Shepherd was shot and killed just before 4 a.m. at the business at 4034 N. Washington St.

Deputies say after interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, “detectives feel confident the shooting was the result of self defense.”

Shepard was already dead when deputies arrived to the scene.

The sheriff’s office did not release any further details as of late Monday, but say the investigation remains open.

“Detectives know there are more witnesses out there and are asking the public to come forward with any additional they may have,” the sheriff’s office said.

Anyone with information about Saturday’s shooting can call the Sarasota sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900.