An 82-year-old Florida grandmother described by her family as “vibrant” was fatally struck by an SUV in a Publix parking lot, and the driver — a Venezuelan man authorities say is in the United States illegally — has been charged in connection with her death.

Deborah Murphy was walking back to her car on a crosswalk outside a Publix supermarket in Panama City Beach on May 17, 2026, when she was hit by a Toyota 4Runner. According to a Florida Highway Patrol arrest affidavit, the vehicle pushed her to the ground and continued backing up, running over her. Murphy was taken to a hospital and later died from her injuries.

The driver has been identified as 26-year-old Carlos Suarez-Contreras. He faces a third-degree felony charge of driving with a canceled license causing death. Court records show his Georgia driver’s license had been canceled. He has entered a written plea of not guilty and is being held without bond in the Bay County Jail. Authorities cited his immigration status and described him as “a potential flight risk.” His arraignment is scheduled for August 17 at the Bay County Courthouse.

A passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Luis Sanabria (also identified as Luis Sanabria-Perez), told investigators that Suarez-Contreras was driving at the time of the crash. Sanabria left the scene on foot but later returned. Both men told deputies they were born in Venezuela and were determined to be in the country illegally. Sanabria, who had an expired visa, was released into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Suarez-Contreras was also issued an ICE detainer.

Under Florida law, individuals in the country illegally cannot obtain a state-issued driver’s license. Suarez-Contreras’ attorney has stated that his client “didn’t commit any crime regarding the charges he was arrested on” and described Murphy’s death as an “unfortunate incident and not criminal in nature.”

Murphy’s twin daughters, Beth Schulz and Amy Edge, said their mother “touched so many lives as an amazing friend, teacher, mother and grandmother.” The family described her as “a light” who was “vibrant with so many more memories to be made” and said they are “determined to find justice and see Suarez-Contreras held accountable for his reckless actions.” Murphy had specialized in early childhood special education and lived independently with her dog.

Surveillance video reportedly captured the moments leading up to the collision. The case remains ongoing.

Sources

• New York Post r