At a press conference this afternoon, Sheriff Al Nienhuis described the homicide investigation that led to the arrest of Kayla Collins, 24 for second degree murder, armed robbery and grand theft auto.
Detectives believe Collins shot 45 year old Jeffrey Lott of Georgia early Thursday morning. The victim suffered 5 gunshot wounds to the midsection. Sheriff Al Nienhuis stated that they are sure she pulled the trigger, but not 100% sure of motive.
Lott worked in construction and would come down to Hernando County to work 2-3 weeks at a time. He was a guest at the Holiday Inn Express on Commercial Way in Spring Hill.
Sheriff Nienhuis said they conducted extensive interviews, speaking with around 150 individuals face to face within 24 hours.
Investigations found that Lott was a “great guy” and he would frequently buy drinks for others at the bar. Lott made numerous friends who expressed much grief upon learning of his death.
In the hours before his death, investigators found that he left one bar at midnight and then headed to Pasco County for Lollipops in Hudson, a gentleman’s club. There he met up with a few people including Kayla Collins. The group decided to go to Denny’s in Hernando County.
According to Sheriff Nienhuis, Lott asked Collins to drive him back to Hernando County because he had been drinking.
They made a stop at an ATM, then headed to the Holiday Inn Express, shots rang out around 3AM. A Sheriff’s Deputy in the area responded to the scene to find Lott deceased.
Collins left with Lott’s car and went to Denny’s where she interacted with some of the ladies. While there, she made admissions that something bad had happened according to Sheriff Nienhuis.
Then she went back to Pasco County where she left Lott’s car and some other items at a vacant house in the area of Denton and Peace Blvd.
The vehicle was found 12:30 yesterday afternoon. Collins was taken into custody at 3AM on Friday morning, almost exactly 24 hours after the shooting.