‘Vibrant’ Florida grandma allegedly killed by illegal immigrant outside Publix, family fights for justice

A Venezuelan man allegedly in the United States illegally is in jail after being charged in the death of an elderly Florida woman by backing over her with an SUV in a grocery store parking lot.

On May 17, Deborah Murphy, an 82-year-old grandmother, was walking back to her car on a crosswalk outside a Publix in Panama City Beach when she was struck by a Toyota 4Runner, according to court records.

She was pushed to the ground by the SUV, but the vehicle continued backing up, “running over Ms. Murphy,” according to an arrest affidavit submitted by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The state of Florida reported 10,501 pedestrian-related crashes in 2024, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. There were 678 deaths attributed to those incidents. Drivers failing to look behind them when backing a vehicle in a parking lot is listed as one of the most common reasons for pedestrian crashes by NHTSA.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services told Fox News Digital that Suarez-Contreras’ license has been canceled. The agency would not say when it was canceled, citing privacy reasons.

The attorney defending Suarez-Contreras told Fox News Digital in an email that his client “didn’t commit any crime regarding the charges he was arrested on.”

“It’s simply an unfortunate incident and not criminal in nature,” wrote Russell Ramey of Musca Law in Panama City.

One of Murphy’s grandchildren presented the family with a collection of reflections on life from Murphy in her own words, her daughters said.

“My husband and I always felt that the best thing we could do for generations to come would be to leave this world with people who would make a difference,” Murphy wrote in one of the reflections shared with Fox News Digital.

“It has been a delight to witness one’s own legacy. I thank my daughters for making our dream come true!!”