Three men — including one man with ties to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key — were charged Oct. 7 with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a Bradenton smoke shop operator.
A fourth man remained at large.
The 12th Circuit State Attorney filed charges against Amado Zeppi, James L. Brewer and Michael C. Hepner in connection with Mohammed Hamed’s death at the Green Galaxy Smoke Shop, 3212 First St. W., Bradenton.
The men were being held without bond in the Manatee County jail and face up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
They allegedly were attempting to rob the shop when Zeppi struck Hamed with a bayonet attached to the semi-automatic rifle he carried and the gun discharged and killed Hamed. Hepner allegedly acted as the getaway driver and Brewer distracted the clerk, the report states.
MCSO arrested Zeppi Sept. 18 for the murder and botched robbery in the parking lot at the Shore restaurant on Longboat Key, where he worked. Zeppi formerly lived in Bradenton Beach.
Brewer of Palmetto and Hepner of Myakka City were arrested Sept. 20.
As of Oct. 21, investigators were searching for the fourth man, who wore a blue jacket with an Aero 87 insignia. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCSO at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.