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PALM BAY, Fla. – Authorities in Palm Bay have arrested two individuals, including a 17-year-old, in connection with a drive-by shooting that left a juvenile seriously injured and blinded. The incident, which took place on February 28 near the Bayside Lakes Clubhouse on Bramblewood Circle, has led to attempted murder charges against Matthew Borde, 17, and Tai’shan Capell, 19.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred in a parking lot where a sedan carrying two juveniles had stopped amidst a gathering of about 20 young people. At the same time, an SUV carrying Borde and Capell as passengers drove south past the lot. Moments later, the SUV turned around and crept slowly by the parking lot again. Two gunshots rang out, one of which shattered the driver-side window of the sedan. The juvenile driver of the sedan was struck by glass fragments that embedded in his face and eyes, rendering him blind. He received initial treatment at a local hospital before being airlifted to Miami for urgent surgery as a trauma alert. The SUV sped off after the shots were fired.
Police used surveillance footage to track down the SUV’s driver, also a juvenile, who provided key details about the incident. The driver admitted to a history of disputes with the victim, including a physical altercation two days earlier when the victim and his friends allegedly attacked him. Following that clash, the two sides agreed to meet at the clubhouse to settle the score. On the day of the shooting, the driver picked up Capell first, noticing him dash into his home to grab something, though he didn’t see what it was. Next, he picked up Borde, and both passengers briefly entered Borde’s residence before returning to the SUV empty-handed.
As the SUV approached the parking lot, the passengers told the driver to pass by the entrance and turn around. Borde reportedly pointed out someone in the crowd, saying, “There he is.” As they looped back, Borde and Capell suddenly drew concealed firearms—described by the driver as revolver-style handguns—and opened fire toward the group. The driver clarified that the person Borde singled out was not the injured juvenile but one of two other individuals in the lot with whom the suspects had a grudge.
The parking lot was crowded with juveniles at the time, including a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old who were seated in a car parked just one space away from the sedan that was hit, underscoring the reckless nature of the shooting.
Arrests and Charges
Matthew Borde was apprehended on March 12 and faces a slew of charges, including:
Tai’shan Capell is charged with:
The incident has shocked the Palm Bay community, highlighting the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts and the presence of firearms among youth. Police continue to investigate, emphasizing the danger posed to bystanders, including young children, caught in the crossfire.
