OCSO and U.S. Marshals Service Nab Fugitives in Separate Murder Cases

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Dec 08 2016 3:51 PM

Two murder suspects wanted in connection with two separate out-of-state slayings were taken into custody December 6th by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service. Tuesday afternoon the OCSO Fugitive Warrants Unit, working with the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Task Force, received word that a man wanted in connection with a murder in North Little Rock Arkansas was believed to be in the Lovejoy Road area. 30-year old Charles Brent Gant was challenged by law enforcement officers on Cypress Street, but fled on foot. After a brief chase he was captured around 4 p.m.

Gant is wanted in Arkansas for the November 29th shooting death of 31-year old Pedro Oman Baez Esperanza. Esperanza was killed during an alleged drug deal. Deputies located the silver Buick automobile Gant was believed to be driving when the shooting took place. When apprehended Gant had cocaine, marijuana and MDPV-Methylone in his possession. He also gave deputies a false name. The OCSO has charged him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of MDPV with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, resisting arrest without violence, and providing a false name while lawfully detained. Tuesday evening, the OCSO and U.S. Marshals also tracked down North Carolina fugitive 29-year old Brandon Xavier Hill, who is wanted by the Raleigh Police Department for the shooting deaths of 27-year old Dwayne Gavey and 22-year old April Holland at a hotel December 2nd.

Hill was located around ten p.m. December 6th at a townhouse at 642 Lloyd Street near Fort Walton Beach. The OCSO Special Response Team challenged Hill at the front door, but he went back inside. Hill eventually came out of the townhouse wearing only his boxers, saying he wanted law enforcement to see that he did not have a weapon. “We are blessed to have some of the bravest men and women working in law enforcement, said Sheriff Larry Ashley. “This coordination and effort to take two murder suspects off the streets in one day reflects their dedication to keeping our community safe and holding criminals accountable.”

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