Man arrested for murder of Winter Garden engineer six years later

The murder took place in 2019, a day after Michael Kotait left home for Gainesville to see family, officials said.

By Leticia Silva
| 5:49 p.m. September 18, 2025

West Orange Times & Observer
News

Nearly six years after the murder of 61-year-old Michael Kotait, Sumter County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest.

Darrell Devon Bogle, 26, was arrested Monday, Sept. 15. for the first-degree murder.

Detectives said Kotait's body was found in a yard in Wildwood in 2019, while his car was submerged at a nearby boat ramp, about 40 minutes from Winter Garden.

Authorities are still searching for answers as they believe others were involved in the murder.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information given to authorities that lead to an arrest.

Contact Detective John Knight or Sgt. Larry Thompson of Sumter County Sheriff's Office at (352) 793-2621 or contact 1-800-423-TIPS.

author

Leticia Silva

Staff writer Leticia Silva is a graduate from the University of Central Florida. As a child, her dream was to become a journalist. Now, her dream is a reality. On her free time she enjoys beach trips, trying new restaurants and spending time with her family and dog.