Resort murder suspect makes throat-slashing motion as he walks in

LONGBOAT KEY (FOX 13) - The search is on for a masked man caught on surveillance camera at a Longboat Key resort. Police there confirmed Friday night they may be looking for a second suspect in the case.

Officials say the man seen in surveillance video gunned down two workers and walked out with cash.

Guests filed out of the Zota Resort on Longboat Key. Beth Decker, visiting from North Carolina, woke up to crime scene tape. Word spread that two hotel employees had been killed.

"I just couldn't believe it," said Decker. "I just couldn't believe it. It just doesn't happen here."

Longboat Key Police said the night front desk manager, 59-year-old Timothy Hurley, of Sarasota, and 51-year-old Kevin Carter, a security guard living in Bradenton, were shot to death.

The family of Hurley released the following statement:

Investigators are looking for a man seen on surveillance video walking in and out of the Zota Resort. His face is covered and he appears to make a slashing sign to his throat as he walks through the front doors just before 2:30 a.m. on Friday.

Longboat Key Police said he walked out with a cash drawer of $900, and left the bodies of the two men behind.

"You think who does this? I mean why? You just don't know. Who comes into a hotel at that time anyways?" said Decker.

WATCH: Surveillance video from inside Zota Resort

As guests filed out of the property, investigators began piecing together what they know so far.

"Video evidence in an investigation like this is priceless. We also have physical evidence at the scene. We again have our license plate recognition cameras at either end which again if we determine the time frame of the incident we can monitor vehicles coming on and off the island," said Chief Pete Cumming.

For those who knew Hurley and Carter, the pain begins.

"He would just do anything for anything. Loving loved to smile," said Kristine Greer.

Timothy Hurley's niece Kristine Greer said he worked for years at the former Hilton now turned Zota. As the property transformed into the new standing hotel Greer said her uncle couldn't wait to return to work.

"He loved his job, but it's far more beyond that. Like I Said he was my uncle and he raised me as my own and he has a heart of gold," she said.

Crime Stoppers, the Florida Sheriff's Association, and ZOTA Resort has raised an $18,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. If you have any information contact Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or the Longboat Key Police Department or Manatee County Sheriff's Office.