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Man sentenced to life in prison for deadly 2021 shooting after botched drug deal

Written by: August 08 2025
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PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A Gifford man will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the deadly 2021 shooting of a 25-year-old man following a marijuana purchase.

Dukarai Lee Thomas
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

A jury found Dukarai Lee Thomas, 27, guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and robbery on Aug. 1 at the Indian River County Courthouse. Circuit Court Judge Robert Meadows handed down the sentencing on the same day.

Assistant State Attorneys Brandon White and Michelle McCarter prosecuted the case. Thomas was represented by Defense Attorney Jay Hebert.

Thomas pled not guilty to the charges, records show.

Thomas was still held Friday at the Indian River County Jail. It was not immediately clear when he would be transferred to the Florida Department of Corrections.

The shooting claimed the life of Justin Bechtold, who lived in south Vero Beach and worked as a well driller for Bechtold’s Well Drilling, Inc. Bechtold was working to obtain his well drilling license and planned to take over the family business, relatives said.

The fatal shooting occurred on Aug. 8, 2021 in the 4300 block of 5th Street Southwest in Vero Beach South. Deputies found Bechtold with a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

Bechtold was taken to the Vero Beach Emergency Room, where doctors pronounced him dead. Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers previously described the incident as senseless and tragic.

“Bechtold should still be with us,” Flowers said during the April 21, 2022 news conference announcing Thomas’ arrest. 

Deputies learned Thomas had fled to Tallahassee after the shooting. On Sept. 15, 2021, deputies obtained a warrant for Thomas’ arrest. Sheriff’s officials brought Thomas back to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and charged him with unlawful use of a two-way communications device related to the drug transaction.

On April 19, 2022, detectives were able to obtain a warrant for the murder charge for Thomas.

Bechtold’s parents, Tim and Michelle, previously described their son as hardworking, funny and somebody that everyone loved. Social media users said Bechtold was a “son, brother and best friend.”

Bechtold’s favorite hobbies included camping, fishing, boating, riding four-wheelers, taking cruises and traveling with his family, his obituary showed. Bechtold also had a passion for sports and enjoyed watching football and NASCAR racing.

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