On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello released a statement update on the 2022 Christmas Homicide Investigation via video on Palm Bay PD’s Facebook page. Below is a copy of the release. |
PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Good afternoon. In a steadfast commitment to justice, I am here to announce a crucial update to the brutal killings of Jeremiah Brown and Travon Anthony, which occurred on Christmas Day 2022 in the area known as the Compound. Today, a Brevard County grand jury indicted 18-year-old Jamarcus Simpson on two counts of First-Degree Premeditated Murder and Robbery. As I declared then, we were not finished. At the same grand jury proceeding, our second suspect, 17-year-old Juan Cortez Shuren Jr. was also indicted on two counts of First-Degree Premeditated Murder. These indictments mark the second arrest in this extensive homicide investigation. Since the initiation of this investigation, our relentless pursuit of justice did not waver until we found those responsible. As promised, we continued working diligently to uphold the principles of justice and hold individuals accountable for their actions. This endeavor is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our investigators, the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office, and the community we serve. We understand the impact such incidents have on our community and will continue making every effort to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. I’d like to thank the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office for their unwavering dedication and support in our pursuit to bring those responsible to justice throughout this thirteen-month investigation. Our heartfelt prayers go out to the families of Jeremiah Brown and Travon Anthony. Thank you for your strength and understanding over the past year as we worked diligently to find those responsible. Let this be an example to those that want to commit violent acts in our city. The Palm Bay Police Department is dedicated in the relentless pursuit of justice for the citizens we serve. |