INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Family members of a man slain in his hotel room in 2014 were at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office today to witness the official announcement that the two men suspected of killing their loved one have, in fact, been arrested.
“I miss my son,” Susan Coakley told reporters as she began to tear up, adding that the loss of a child is something no parent ever gets over.
Coakley’s son, Kevin Howe, was shot in his hotel room in Vero Beach in 2014 and later died due to his injuries at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.
“We knew this day would come because we turned it over to God,” Howe’s step-father, Tim Coakley, said.
The Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of Jason Hiler, of Deland, Fla., and Javon Roberts, of Sanford, Fla., for the murder of Howe.
While the fatal shooting occurred in 2014, investigators have continued to work to solve the case.
“I didn’t have any doubt,” said Det. Kevin Heinig of closing the case, adding that it was frustrating knowing who the suspects were and waiting to have enough evidence to present.
The arrests come during Victim Rights Week, Sheriff Deryl Loar noted, explaining that while this is a victory for Howe’s family, there are a number of cold cases the Sheriff’s Office still has on the books and is still trying to solve.
“We have the team,” Loar said. “We have the experience to track you down and find you.”
He implores any witnesses to come forward and help victims get the justice and closure they need.
