Homicide Suspect in Stephen Lepore Case Arrested After Armed Confrontation in Florida

Brian 'Sonny' Hewson, wanted for Lepore's 2012 killing, was taken into custody following a violent encounter with deputies.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A fugitive wanted in Monroe County, Pennsylvania on a criminal homicide charge has been captured in Florida following a violent encounter with deputies during a traffic stop. Brian 'Sonny' Hewson, who is accused in connection with the 2012 killing of Stephen Lepore, was taken into custody on February 20 in Charlotte County, Florida.

Why it matters

The arrest of Hewson brings some closure to the decade-old homicide case of Stephen Lepore, whose remains were discovered in 2023. The confrontation with law enforcement in Florida also highlights the dangers faced by officers when apprehending wanted suspects.

The details

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, deputies stopped a vehicle shortly before dawn near Harbor Boulevard and Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. Hewson was identified as a passenger during the stop. A background check revealed several outstanding felony warrants, including warrants from Florida, New York, federal authorities and a Pennsylvania warrant charging him with homicide in Monroe County. When deputies attempted to arrest him, Hewson resisted and struggled with officers. During the confrontation, he allegedly reached into his waistband, pulled out a Kel-Tec P17 .22-caliber handgun and pointed it at deputies, though the weapon did not fire when he appeared to pull the trigger. Even after deputies deployed Tasers, Hewson allegedly tried to chamber a round and discharge the firearm before he was subdued.

  • Lepore was last seen leaving his home in Coolbaugh Township on August 17, 2012.
  • In October 2023, investigators searching a property on Peet Road in Wayne County discovered skeletal remains buried in a backyard, which were later identified as Lepore's.
  • Hewson was taken into custody on February 20, 2026 in Charlotte County, Florida.

The players

Brian 'Sonny' Hewson

A fugitive wanted in Monroe County, Pennsylvania on a criminal homicide charge, who was arrested in Florida following a violent confrontation with deputies.

Stephen Lepore

A resident of Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania who was last seen in 2012 and whose remains were discovered in 2023, with the cause of death determined to be a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Monroe County authorities said they intend to seek Hewson's extradition to Pennsylvania to stand trial in the death of Lepore.

The takeaway

This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down and apprehending wanted suspects, even after many years, as well as the potential for violent confrontations when dealing with armed and dangerous individuals.