NR 24-11 Arrest made in Merritt Island Homicide

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 26-year-old, Prince Alonzo Johnson of Rockledge for his involvement in the shooting death of 36-year-old, Tasha Smith, that occurred in Merritt Island.  Johnson was arrested last night after an arrest warrant was issued by Judge Crawford, charging him with 2nd Degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  Johnson is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on a No Bond status.

The investigation began on Friday, September 20, 2024, when deputies responded at approximately 12:20 a.m., to the parking lot of Tropical Manor, located at 1165 Jordan Road, Merritt Island, 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 investigation has 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 by Johnson.  It does not appear that she was the intended target.

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.