WINTER HAVEN, FL — A probable cause affidavit from the Winter Haven Police Department reveals details surrounding a violent attack at Caribbean Bay Bar that resulted in the death of 40-year-old Adam Chism and the arrest of 40-year-old Bryan James Motley on a manslaughter charge.
According to the affidavit, officers responded to Caribbean Bay Bar, located at 1004 South Lake Howard Drive, at approximately 1:46 a.m. on October 18, 2026, following reports of a disturbance.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing Chism and Motley engaged in a conversation near a pool table inside the bar. Motley appeared to become annoyed during the exchange and began telling others to “get your boy.” A bartender intervened and physically pulled Chism away from the confrontation. However, Motley followed Chism toward the bar.
Investigators say that less than 40 seconds later, Motley delivered a closed-fist punch to the left side of Chism’s head.
The impact caused Chism to immediately lose consciousness and collapse onto the concrete floor without attempting to brace himself. He never regained consciousness.
Investigators documented that surveillance footage showed the initial punch occurring at approximately 12:48:22 a.m..
The affidavit states that Motley then began punching a second man who had fallen to the floor during the altercation. Surveillance footage showed Motley striking the second victim approximately four times, twice in the back of the head and twice in the face.
Following the punch, witnesses described Chism as unconscious and critical injured.
Chism was transported to Winter Haven Hospital before being airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit.
According to the affidavit, medical personnel determined that Chism had suffered a severe skull fracture, bleeding in the brain, and a fractured scapula.
On October 19, after multiple brain examinations, doctors determined that Chism would not survive his injuries. He was pronounced legally brain dead at approximately 5:25 p.m.
Investigators documented that Motley left Caribbean Bay Bar within approximately three minutes of punching Chism and made no attempt to check on either injured victim.
The affidavit states that Motley was positively identified through photographic lineups presented to witnesses.
The affidavit references three previous battery convictions involving Motley, including cases dating back to 2006 and 2013.
Based on the investigation, Winter Haven police submitted charges of manslaughter under Florida Statute 782.07(1) and battery with a prior conviction under Florida Statute 784.03(2).
Bryan James Motley was arrested on October 21, 2026.
As of Wednesday morning, October 28, Motley is in custody. The State Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute the aggravated battery charge. However, the manslaughter charge stemming from the death of Adam Chism remains active. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: ARREST AFFIDAVIT, WINTER HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT, POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
