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A beloved youth football coach, Devin L. Lakes, 31, was fatally shot in front of his players after a game at Eddie Lee Taylor Park in Melbourne, on September 21, 2024. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:24 p.m., disrupting the somber atmosphere as many of the park’s visitors were attending a football game and a memorial gathering for Craig Dewberry, another local coach who was recently murdered.
Dewberry, a well-respected figure in the community despite a troubled past, had been gunned down in a robbery on September 10, 2024, on the very same street. His tragic death left a void in the youth football league, where he had mentored countless young athletes. On the day of the shooting, many were still mourning his loss as they gathered to honor his memory at the park, unaware that another tragedy was about to unfold.
Gunfire erupted near the entrance of the park, sending the large crowd into chaos. The sound of gunshots caused panic, with spectators and many children fleeing the scene. Police were called to the park, where they found Devin Lakes and his brother, Michael Lakes, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
Devin was quickly transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center (HRMC) but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, despite life-saving efforts. Melbourne Firefighter Rodney Calloway happened to be on the scene and feverishly attempted lifesaving measures on Devin immediately following the shooting. His brother Michael remains in critical condition at the hospital.
The Melbourne Police Department immediately launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and reviewing footage from security cameras around the park. According to the police report, the altercation stemmed from a prior confrontation between Michael Lakes and the suspect, later identified as Andrew A. Guzman, 30, of Palm Bay.
According to the mother of the Lakes brothers, Michael informed her and Devin he was just in a fight with Guzman and wanted to leave. His brother Devin decided to walk with him to make sure he got out ok. That’s when Guzman confronted the unarmed brothers and reportedly opened fire, fatally striking Devin in the chest and critically injuring Michael. Guzman fled the scene in a red vehicle, which was captured on security cameras and later identified through a license plate database. Michael was rushed to the hospital by a friend.
On September 22, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Guzman, who has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was apprehended without incident at a relative’s home in Palm Bay on September 23 and is now facing charges of 1st Degree Premeditated Murder with a Firearm, Attempted 1st Degree Premeditated Murder, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The Melbourne Police Department released a public statement on September 24, 2024, confirming Guzman’s arrest and identifying Devin Lakes as the deceased victim. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and have not linked the incident to the earlier murder of Craig Dewberry.
The local community has been left reeling from the dual losses of two prominent youth football coaches. Both Devin Lakes and Craig Dewberry were known for their dedication to mentoring young athletes, making their deaths even more devastating for the many children and families they worked with over the years.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with Melbourne police continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Melbourne Police Department or Central Florida Crimeline. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Devin Lakes and continues to honor the legacies of both him and Craig Dewberry, whose impact on the lives of local youth will not be forgotten.
The park, typically a place for youth sports and family gatherings, has now become the site of a terrible tragedy, leaving many to question how such violence could strike so close to home.
