NEWS RELEASE 26-007 - FEBUARY 17, 2026
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has announced the arrest of Kevin Holloway, B/M, DOB: 06/16/70, in connection with the 1999 murder of Esco Hunter Jr., a case that has remained unsolved for more than two decades. This arrest follows an extensive and renewed investigation conducted by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Section – Cold Case Unit, reflecting Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman’s continued priority of pursuing long-standing unsolved cases and delivering justice for victims and their families.
On November 30, 1999, deputies responded to a vehicle fire near the intersection of Myrtle Street and North Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Fire personnel located a vehicle concealed in a wooded area that was fully engulfed in flames. The vehicle was later identified as belonging to the victim, Esco Hunter Jr. The following day, December 1, 1999, deputies responded to the area of Central Avenue and 43rd Street, less than one mile from the burned vehicle, where Hunter’s body was discovered. The medical examiner’s office later determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Despite the case being unsolved for many years, investigators continued to review evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze forensic findings. As part of Sheriff Hoffman’s ongoing commitment to cold case resolution, the Cold Case Unit re‑examined witness statements, telephone records, and physical evidence, which ultimately led to the development of new and corroborating information. Investigators also credit the willingness of new witnesses to come forward, whose information provided critical insight that helped advance this long-standing investigation. Through persistent investigative efforts, detectives were able to establish probable cause identifying Kevin Holloway as the suspect.
SCSO worked in close partnership with the State Attorney’s Office and the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office throughout the course of this investigation. This coordinated effort ensured a thorough review of evidence and reinforced the integrity of the case as it moved forward.
On February 9, 2026, Kevin Holloway was served with an arrest warrant and charged with Felony Second Degree Murder, Arson, and two counts for Tampering with Evidence. He is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.
The sheriff’s office extends its appreciation to the investigators, forensic professionals, prosecutors, and witnesses who contributed to this case over the years. Our agency remains steadfast in its dedication to reviewing unsolved cases and pursuing accountability, no matter how much time has passed. While no arrest can undo the loss suffered, it is our agency’s hope that this development brings a measure of comfort and long-awaited justice to Esco Hunter Jr.’s family.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the SCSO Criminal Investigations Section Cold Case Unit at coldcase@sarasotasheriff.org
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has announced the arrest of Kevin Holloway, B/M, DOB: 06/16/70, in connection with the 1999 murder of Esco Hunter Jr., a case that has remained unsolved for more than two decades. This arrest follows an extensive and renewed investigation conducted by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Section – Cold Case Unit, reflecting Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman’s continued priority of pursuing long-standing unsolved cases and delivering justice for victims and their families.
On November 30, 1999, deputies responded to a vehicle fire near the intersection of Myrtle Street and North Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Fire personnel located a vehicle concealed in a wooded area that was fully engulfed in flames. The vehicle was later identified as belonging to the victim, Esco Hunter Jr. The following day, December 1, 1999, deputies responded to the area of Central Avenue and 43rd Street, less than one mile from the burned vehicle, where Hunter’s body was discovered. The medical examiner’s office later determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Despite the case being unsolved for many years, investigators continued to review evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze forensic findings. As part of Sheriff Hoffman’s ongoing commitment to cold case resolution, the Cold Case Unit re‑examined witness statements, telephone records, and physical evidence, which ultimately led to the development of new and corroborating information. Investigators also credit the willingness of new witnesses to come forward, whose information provided critical insight that helped advance this long-standing investigation. Through persistent investigative efforts, detectives were able to establish probable cause identifying Kevin Holloway as the suspect.
SCSO worked in close partnership with the State Attorney’s Office and the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office throughout the course of this investigation. This coordinated effort ensured a thorough review of evidence and reinforced the integrity of the case as it moved forward.
On February 9, 2026, Kevin Holloway was served with an arrest warrant and charged with Felony Second Degree Murder, Arson, and two counts for Tampering with Evidence. He is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.
The sheriff’s office extends its appreciation to the investigators, forensic professionals, prosecutors, and witnesses who contributed to this case over the years. Our agency remains steadfast in its dedication to reviewing unsolved cases and pursuing accountability, no matter how much time has passed. While no arrest can undo the loss suffered, it is our agency’s hope that this development brings a measure of comfort and long-awaited justice to Esco Hunter Jr.’s family.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the SCSO Criminal Investigations Section Cold Case Unit at coldcase@sarasotasheriff.org