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| Booking Photo upon arrest in 2016 |
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| Booking photo 2-5-19 |
March 1, 2019
Eric Leonard “Strawberry” Adams (1-13-75) of Inglis was
arrested for felony battery on January 5, 2016. Adams was accused of striking
Barbara Brewster (52 years old) of Inglis during an argument over an unpaid
debt of $40.00 on January 1, 2016. Brewster sustained injuries during the
altercation which ultimately caused her death four days later. The charge of
felony battery was then upgraded to second degree murder. Adams has been held
in custody since this date pending his trial which concluded February 28, 2019.
The 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office Levy
County Division Chief Glenn Bryan presented the case to the jury comprised of Levy
County citizens during the two day trial. Members of Ms. Brewster’s family;
including her mother, sisters and daughter attended every hearing prior to this
trial in support of Ms. Brewster and the State in this case. The jury
deliberated for approximately 22 minutes before returning with a verdict of
guilty of second degree murder. Circuit Judge William E. Davis immediately
sentenced Adams to life in prison.
Sheriff McCallum stated that this verdict is a testament to
the expertise, professionalism and teamwork of our personnel working together with
the State Attorney’s Office to bring a successful resolution to this case. As a
result of this teamwork and the sentence of the court, it is my prayer that the
family of Ms. Brewster will be given a sense of comfort and peace.