Leon County circuit judge Kevin Carroll dies unexpectedly

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Leon County Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll passed away unexpectedly Wednesday night, according to the court administration.

In a statement to WCTV, Trial Court Administrator Elizabeth Garber called Judge Carroll “a public servant of the highest order.”

“The Second Judicial Circuit is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our cherished colleague and friend, Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. A public servant of the highest order, Judge Carroll served this community as a judge for more than 12 years and as a lawyer for 40 years. The Second Judicial Circuit extends their heartfelt condolences to Judge Carroll’s family and friends. The Second Judicial Circuit will continue to serve the people of this community that Judge Carroll loved with unending enthusiasm.”

Judge Carroll was appointed in 2011 by Gov. Rick Scott and won reelection in 2014 and 2020.

In his time on the bench, Judge Carroll presided over a number of high-profile criminal cases in Tallahassee.

In 2021, Judge Carroll resentenced Denise Williams in the 2000 murder of her husband, Mike.

Last week, Judge Carroll presided over a plea by Antwann Brown, who allegedly stabbed five coworkers at Dyke Industries in 2019.

Second Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell called Judge Carroll “a true public servant and friend” in a statement to WCTV.

“The Office of the State Attorney joins our community in mourning the loss of Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll,” he wrote. “His sharp mind and great sense of humor will be missed by us all.  We offer our deepest condolences to his family and thank them for sharing him with us.”

Second Circuit Public Defender Jessica Yeary called the loss “a devastating blow to our legal community.”

“He was everything a judge should be - kind, respectful and wise.  His passing affects our office on both a professional and personal level - all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” she wrote in a statement to WCTV.

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