NR 21-03 Decedent Identified in Death Investigation

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has identified the male who was shot and died early Tuesday morning in Merritt Island. The decedent is 32-year-old, Joshua Dodge of Merritt Island.

The investigation thus far has determined that Dodge went to a residence on Barcelona Boulevard Monday afternoon allegedly seeking items the residents had in an estate sale. Dodge left without making a purchase.

Later during the evening the residents returned home to discover Dodge inside the residence. Dodge was allegedly confronted by the residents after illegally entering the residence. A confrontation ensued between the father and Dodge that turned physical. During the confrontation, the son retrieved a firearm and the pair held Dodge at gunpoint awaiting the arrival of deputies. As the deputies arrived on scene, the father exited the residence to advise deputies that his son was armed and the alleged suspect was detained.

As the deputies were preparing to enter the residence, another altercation occurred inside the residence that ended with Dodge being shot. Dodge fled the residence and was later located deceased on the property. Dodge was taken to the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be conducted.

The investigation is ongoing and the findings will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office.

The residents of this investigation are not being identified at this time.

Anyone who may have information about this death investigation is asked to please call Agent Samantha Grimes of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 .

For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.