Drug deal led to Golden Gate Estates double homicide

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. A dispute related to a drug deal led to a deadly shooting and car fire in January, the warrant for the man arrested in the double homicide says.

Zachary Anderson, 24, of 20th Avenue NW in Golden Gate Estates, was arrested Wednesday and is facing charges in the deaths of brothers Christopher Patrick Hunter, 36, and Thomas Anthony Hunter, 41, both of 13th Street NW.

Anderson shot both while they were inside a 2002 silver Mercury Mountaineer, doused the car with gasoline and lit it ablaze Jan. 18, Collier County Sheriff’s detectives said. It took place on the street where Anderson lived.

Anderson, who was convicted of robbery in 2016, had burns on his face when he visited his probation officer after the Hunters were slain, deputies said. The burns came from an open flame, according to scientists who examined hair samples from his beard.

Detectives also found matches at the scene from Anderson’s uncle’s wedding as well as a floor mat with gasoline on it at his home.

Anderson is being held on $655,000 bond on charges including third-degree murder, manslaughter and arson.