Sunday, November 1, 2009

KEY WEST -- The frivolity of Fantasy Fest 2009 was marred early Saturday morning after a 23-year-old local man was stabbed to death during a fight near Duval Street, marking the first homicide in the history of the event.

Marques Butler of Key West was stabbed in the abdomen around 4 a.m. and was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, said Alyson Crean, spokeswoman for Key West police. Butler died shortly thereafter. It was unclear if Butler was stabbed once or multiple times, Crean said.

Detectives detained a 23-year-old Fort Lauderdale man in connection with the incident. The man had not been charged as of Saturday, but Crean described him as a "possible suspect" in the case. That man's identity has not been released as he has not been charged with a crime, and the case remains under investigation, Crean said.

Detectives officially have ruled Butler's death a homicide, she added.

Police described a fight near Duval and Caroline streets between a group of locals and tourists. What caused the fight remains under investigation, but it may have been over one group taking pictures of women in the other group, Crean said.

Thus far Fantasy Fest 2009 has not been violent, though police reports indicate that there have been a few scuffles along Duval Street. None of the reported incidents this year have been particularly violent. There have been some fights reported, but no major incidents until Saturday morning.

Last year no serious incidents were reported.

"In the 30 years of Fantasy Fest we've never had a homicide," Crean said. "In fact, this is the first homicide to occur in Key West, at any time, in several years."

alinhardt@keysnews.com