WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. A 14-year-old boy who police say was intentionally struck by a West Melbourne store owner while riding an e-bike has died, and the man accused of hitting him is now charged with second-degree murder.
The West Melbourne Police Department identified the teen Sunday as Hunter Russey of West Melbourne, releasing his name with his family’s consent. Hunter died at 11:46 p.m. Saturday, October 17, after his family made the decision to remove him from life support, according to the department.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant following Hunter’s death and rearrested 32-year-old Kavan Vishnubhai Patel just after 10 a.m. Sunday, October 18. Police said Patel will be held at the Brevard County Jail without bond on the second-degree murder charge.
Hunter’s family has chosen to donate his organs to help others, police said. The family has asked the public to respect their privacy.
Police describe pursuit after store alarm
The case began around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, when Patel, who owns the Corner Store on South Wickham Road, received an alarm alert and checked surveillance footage, according to police.
Patel told officers the store’s front glass door had been broken and that he saw someone leave the area on an e-bike.
Investigators say Patel followed the rider in his vehicle and intentionally struck him along Cocoanut Grove Avenue after the encounter at the store had ended. Police identified that rider as Hunter in Sunday’s update.
According to investigators, Patel left Hunter on the side of the road without rendering aid, returned to the store and did not tell responding officers he had struck him.
Hunter was later found unresponsive in a roadside ditch. He was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center as a trauma alert with severe injuries, police said.
Teen remained on life support before his death
Because of the extent of his injuries, Hunter was transferred to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he remained on life support.
In its Sunday community update, the police department said Hunter had received round-the-clock medical care before his family made the decision to take him off life support Saturday evening. He died later that night.
Patel was initially charged with aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury. Hunter’s death prompted investigators to seek the new warrant charging Patel with second-degree murder.
The West Melbourne Police Department offered condolences to Hunter’s family and friends and asked the community to keep them in their thoughts. The department said investigators will continue working the case and provide prosecutors with the evidence needed to move forward.
Cover photo: Hunter Russey in a family photo collage. Photographs courtesy of Hunter Russey’s family.
Criminal Defense
Bankruptcy · Evictions
WICKS LAW P.A.
Call or text for
free consult
321-733-2700
Eric Wicks, Esq.
1250 West Eau Gallie Blvd. G
Melbourne, FL 32935
Abogado Wicks habla español
