2 Men Convicted In Bradenton Smoke Shop Killing: State Attorney

BRADENTON, FL — Two men were convicted in a 2019 Bradenton smoke shop killing and robbery, according to a news release from State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office.

Amado Alexander Zeppi and Coty Paulk were convicted of first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm for the Sept. 18, 2019, crimes.

Their trial ran from Oct. 31 through Friday at the Manatee County Courthouse, the news release said.

The crimes carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison, Brodsky’s office said.

Paulk was sentenced to life on each count on Friday. Zeppi’s sentencing hasn’t happened yet.

They were two of four co-defendants who robbed the Green Galaxy Smoke Shop in Bradenton, according to the state attorney.

Both Zeppi and Paul carried firearms and threatened the victim throughout the robbery. Zeppi shot and killed the owner, Mohammed Hamed, who sat on the floor and complied with their commands, Brodsky’s office said.

Their two co-defendants took responsibility for the crimes prior to the trial and testified at the trial, identifying Zeppi and Paul, who wore masks during the robbery.

“This was a senseless murder that was solved by the diligent work of the detectives at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office who arrested three of the four perpetrators within 36 hours of the offense,” Rebecca Freel, assistant state attorney and lead prosecutor on the case, said. “Their work during the investigation and especially in preparation for the trial was invaluable to achieving this conviction.”