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A Cocoa man has been arrested and charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder with a Firearm following a deadly shooting that occurred Saturday at a residence on Carlowe Avenue. According to an arrest affidavit from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, investigators say 23 year old Tyjah John Bellinger shot and killed 28 year old Lendzie Lakeman during a confrontation inside the garage of her home.
Deputies responded to the residence on November 16, 2025, at approximately 12:11 p.m. after a 9-1-1 caller reported hearing multiple gunshots. The caller told dispatchers that he saw Bellinger, identified as a Black male in a blue Kia, fire three rounds in the driveway before entering the garage and firing more shots inside.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Lakeman unresponsive in the garage with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians attempted lifesaving measures, but Lakeman was pronounced dead shortly after.
During a post-Miranda interview, Bellinger told investigators that he had been in a relationship with Lakeman for about two months and believed she was pregnant with his child. He said he went to Lakeman’s home on Carlowe Avenue to retrieve a container of unwrapped Christmas gifts for his other daughter following an argument. He stated that Lakeman threw his clothes out of the house and that as she was returning to the garage area, he picked up an AR style pistol, exited the vehicle, and began running toward her. He claimed he tripped and the gun discharged.
Crime scene investigators collected physical evidence that contradicted his account. Three shell casings were located in the driveway and an additional three casings were found in the garage. According to the affidavit, the pattern of the casings and witness statements supported intentional gunfire, not an accidental discharge.
After the shooting, Bellinger fled the scene. He drove first to his mother’s residence on Curtis Boulevard to tell his daughter and mother he loved them. He then went to an uncle’s residence on Dallas Avenue in Cocoa. Deputies later located Bellinger there and took him into custody without incident.
The affidavit states that Bellinger’s statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence all support probable cause for premeditated murder. The investigation is being led by BCSO Agent Kevin Morris, a member of the Homicide Unit and a certified polygraph examiner with extensive training in criminal investigations, interrogations, and violent crime analysis.
Bellinger is charged under Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a) for First Degree Premeditated Murder with a Firearm. He is being held pending further court proceedings.
This remains an active criminal case. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through Crimeline.
