Published on
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (November 21, 2024) – A grand jury in Brevard County has indicted 59-year-old Bernard Cedric Hardy on charges of First-Degree Felony Murder (two counts) and Distribution of a Controlled Substance (fentanyl), following a year-long investigation into the overdose deaths of two individuals in Palm Bay.
The tragic events unfolded on July 15, 2023, when Palm Bay police officers responded to a home on the 600 block of Eldron Blvd SE, where two unresponsive females were found. Officers initiated lifesaving measures until EMS arrived, transporting both individuals to the hospital. One victim, 22-year-old Julianna Junz, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, with her death later confirmed as a fentanyl overdose.
Shockingly, the following day, officers were called back to the same address, where they found 37-year-old Stephen Defuria unresponsive. He also succumbed to a fentanyl overdose.
Detectives from the Palm Bay Police Department’s Major Case Unit launched a meticulous investigation, working tirelessly over the past year to trace the source of the deadly drugs. After analyzing evidence and gathering intelligence, authorities identified Hardy as the individual responsible for distributing the fentanyl that led to the fatalities.
Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello lauded the efforts of law enforcement in bringing Hardy to justice, emphasizing the importance of holding drug dealers accountable.
“This indictment is a critical step in our relentless fight against the opioid epidemic and those who profit from it at the expense of innocent lives,” said Chief Augello. “Let this be a stern warning to anyone who engages in the illegal distribution of drugs with reckless disregard for human life: We are coming for you.”
Chief Augello also highlighted the department’s commitment to combating drug trafficking while addressing the broader impacts of substance abuse.
“The Palm Bay Police Department, in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, will continue to use every resource at our disposal to bring drug dealers to justice,” he said. “If you are poisoning our community with your greed and disregard for human life, know this—there is no safe haven for you in Palm Bay. We will pursue you. We will find you. And we will hold you accountable for the devastation you bring to our families and neighborhoods.”
In addition to law enforcement efforts, Chief Augello stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse, including prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
“Our efforts go beyond simply arresting drug dealers—we are equally dedicated to helping those affected by addiction,” he said. “Through valuable partnerships with organizations like the Brevard Prevention Coalition, local healthcare providers, and community outreach programs, we are working to ensure that individuals struggling with substance use have access to the support, treatment, and resources they need to recover. Together, we can make Palm Bay a safer and healthier place for everyone.”
The Palm Bay Police Department is urging anyone struggling with addiction to seek help. Resources are available through national hotlines, including:
The indictment marks a significant development in the fight against the opioid epidemic in Palm Bay, as the community mourns the lives lost to this ongoing crisis.