Travis Garrett Sentenced to 45 Years for Killing Hillsborough Deputy

Travis Garrett, 32, was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and other charges related to the death of Hillsborough County Sheriff Sgt. Brian LaVigne, who was killed just hours before his retirement on January 11, 2021. Garrett, who was naked and causing a disturbance prior to the incident, fled in his vehicle after attacking a deputy. He collided with LaVigne's patrol car, resulting in LaVigne's death at the hospital. LaVigne's family spoke emotionally in court about the profound impact of his loss, emphasizing the years of retirement stolen from them. The guilty plea spared the family from the pain of a lengthy trial, with LaVigne's daughter expressing the need for mercy upon themselves. State officials highlighted the sentence as a measure of justice for LaVigne's family and community.