Two Arrested in Shooting Death of Former Army Ranger Outside Miami Casino

Two men charged for their alleged connection to the shooting death of a former Army Ranger Christmas night outside a South Florida casino appeared in bond court Tuesday.

Fernando Duarte, 33, walked out of the Miccosukee Resort and Casino after winning a prize from a slot machine when he was shot. Duarte was rushed to Kendall Regional Hospital where he later died. He was a 12-year Army veteran, who family says served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Officials later charged 25-year-old Kenin Bailey and 25-year-old Mikey Lenard in the case. During an hours-long bond court hearing Tuesday, officials revealed two possible motives behind the deadly shooting. Miccosukee police say it was murder, but one of the suspects is claiming self-defense.

Police said the incident stemmed from an argument between the victim and the suspects at a poker table inside the casino. Detectives said Duarte and his friend were asked to leave. When the men crossed paths again outside the parking lot, they again exchanged words. When the men got into their cars, police said the suspects actively sought out Duarte alone in his car.

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