Cocoa Police Detectives Probe Deadly Shooting Near Oak Meadows Apartments Monday Night

COCOA POLICE INVESTIGATE FATAL SHOOTING THAT MAY BE SELF-DEFENSE

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Detectives with the Cocoa Police Department are investigating a late-night shooting that left a 21-year-old man dead and may fall under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, according to Cocoa police spokesperson Yvonne Martinez.

Police identified the victim as Jyuri Smith, who was shot Monday night in the parking lot in front of the 1634 Building at Oak Meadows Apartments. A witness transported Smith to Cape Canaveral Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators were notified around 11 p.m. after hospital staff reported a shooting victim who had succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate the shooting may have been justifiable and that Smith was armed with a rifle when he approached a 22-year-old man with whom he had an ongoing dispute. The younger man then fired at Smith.

“The incident appears to have been an act of self-defense,” police said in a release. The alleged shooter is cooperating with investigators, and the firearm used in the shooting has been recovered.

Detectives continue to review evidence and interview witnesses. The case remains active as police consult with the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Cocoa Police Department.

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