CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A Lake Panasoffkee man was arrested for murder Friday in downtown Crystal River.
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to calls about a shooting at Norton’s Riverside Bar and Grill in downtown Crystal River on Friday morning.
At approximately 1:25 AM, deputies arrived on the scene and located a male, later identified as 26-year-old Edward James Bennis, in the parking lot with several gunshot wounds.
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Witnesses said that the suspect, 24-year-old Gabriel Hugh Trainor, had gotten into a minor altercation with a patron inside the bar that continued to the front patio.
Bennis, an employee at Norton’s, verbally attempted to stop the argument, and Trainor walked outside to his car.
After several minutes, Bennis returned outside and continued to argue with Trainor, who armed himself with a handgun and shot Bennis multiple times.
Despite immediate lifesaving measures, Bennis succumbed to his injuries on-scene.
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“This is a tragic incident. My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Bennis,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “Unfortunately, arguments too often turn violent when alcohol is involved. Trainor not only made the decision to take another man’s life but also endangered other citizens with his reckless discharge of a firearm. This behavior will not be tolerated in Citrus County, and we will work diligently with our partners in the Fifth Judicial Circuit to ensure Trainor is no longer a danger to our law-abiding citizens.”
Following an interview at the CCSO Emergency Operations Center, Trainor was arrested for Second-Degree Murder and transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility.
He will be held without bond per the bond schedule.
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