NR 24-10 Sheriff’s Office Conducting Death Investigation

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a shooting investigation that occurred early this morning in the parking lot of Tropical Manor, located at 1165 Jordan Road, Merritt Island.   Deputies responded to the area at approximately 12:20 a.m., in reference to a report of a loud disturbance.  As deputies arrived, they were advised that a female had been shot.  The female was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  The female has been identified as 36-year-old, Tasha Smith of Merritt Island.

Preliminary investigation at the scene determined that the incident initially began as a physical altercation in the parking lot.  The altercation escalated, to the point where two males exchanged gunfire.  Ms. Smith was not a participant in the shooting, however was in the area at the time she was shot.  It does not appear that she was the intended target.

Agents from the Sheriff’s Office General Crimes, Homicide, and Crime Scene Units are currently in the process of interviewing potential witnesses and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.  At this time the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to please contact Agent Vince Bustillo of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit via the at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).  All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.

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