Gulf Gate murder suspect arrested

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested Charles L. Hill, Jr., 31, for the death of James Brotherton, 49 after a witness reported Hill had asked him for a ride to Gulf Gate Drive and Gateway Avenue on the night of the murder.

The witness said Hill asked for a ride to see someone who owed him money. Shortly after midnight, Hill contacted the witness again and asked to be picked up on U.S. 41 just north of Stickney Point Road. When Hill got in the car he told the witness he shot and killed Brotherton, because he “mouthed off” and would not get in the trunk of his vehicle.

An all-night operation using investigative detectives, undercover dectives and SWAT resulted in Hill’s arrest as he exited a shopping center. Hill is charged with Murder in the First Degree and is being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

Contact Eddie Kirsch at [email protected].