TAMPA, Fla. – Travis Garrett, 32, has been sentenced to 45 years in Florida State Prison for the 2021 crash that killed Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Sergeant Brian LaVigne, just hours before his scheduled retirement.
Garrett pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, fleeing to elude high speed (serious bodily injury or death), battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and criminal mischief.
The tragic incident occurred on January 11, 2021, when deputies responded to reports of Garrett, who was naked and throwing furniture outside his Brandon apartment.
Garrett fled in his vehicle, crashing through the apartment’s gates. Dashboard camera footage showed him accelerating at high speed into Sergeant LaVigne’s vehicle, which was stopped at a stop sign. Sergeant LaVigne died at the hospital.
Sergeant LaVigne’s family delivered emotional victim impact statements in court. His wife spoke of the years of retirement stolen from them, while his daughter, also an HCSO deputy, described losing her mentor, hero, and best friend. The family chose to accept the plea agreement to avoid the pain of a lengthy trial.
“This senseless crime robbed a family of a tremendous father and husband who deserved a long and happy retirement with the family he built,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “While this sentence can never bring Sgt. LaVigne back, it ensures this defendant will spend the majority of his life behind bars while allowing the victim’s family a chance at healing without a lengthy trial. Sgt. LaVigne died a hero and selflessly served his community until his last day. His life and legacy will never be forgotten.”
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Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister echoed these sentiments, stating, “While there is no sentence that can ever truly account for the extraordinary life Travis Garrett took, today’s sentencing delivers a measure of justice for Sgt. Brian LaVigne’s family, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and every citizen whose life he touched. Sgt. LaVigne was a devoted husband, father, and public servant. His life was cut short while doing what he had done for 30 years, protecting this community with courage and compassion, and the pain of his loss is immeasurable. Though more than four years have passed, his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the community he selflessly served.”
Garrett, who was paralyzed in the crash, will serve his 45-year sentence in Florida State Prison.
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