It’s been nearly 2 weeks since a 14 and 16-year-old were found shot to death on Christmas Day in Palm Bay’s ‘Compound.’ it was actually the 16-year-old who hasn’t been officially identified’s birthday.
Apart from the initial statement from police, Palm Bay has provided no updates on the case to the public. No suspects, no leads, nor any offers of rewards for information have been shared.
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Crime scene photo where the two teens were found shot to death Christmas Day.
Many parents have expressed fears and concern with the lack of information or progress in the case. The victims were both high school students at different schools, and parents have shared fears of retaliation or further violence amongst other children as classes resume tomorrow.
Other media outlets have reported that their written and verbal requests for updates from Palm Bay Police have gone unanswered.
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WFTV-9 reports, “Despite multiple phone, email and in-person requests for an update or comment Tuesday, department officials remained silent.”
They went in to say, “It’s unclear if they’re keeping details of the case behind closed doors out of fears of spooking a possible suspect, if they’re waiting for forensic testing to be completed, or if the case has stalled altogether.”
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One parent who wishes to remain anonymous told us “an elderly couple in their 80’s was killed in Orlando, and there’s been nonstop press conferences, and offers of rewards for information. We’ve heard absolutely nothing for our babies. It’s like they don’t care.”
The mother of 14-year-old Jeremiah Brown, the youngest victim, asks for prayers and support.
On Christmas day, 12/25/22 Jeremiah’s life ended in a horrible tragedy. Jeremiah went to stay with his dad for Christmas, and after going to hang out with a friend he never made it back home. Not only did my son lose his life his 16-year-old friend did too. My sweet boy was only 14 and had his whole life ahead of him, he had a short but well-lived life. He was the second child of five children. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Elijah were called the Bible brothers. Jeremiah was on the family prayer line every third Sunday (Youth in action) Jeremiah was kind, loving and a respectful young man. Jeremiah was in the 9th grade, he had just started Highschool. He loved football, basketball and track, he was just being promoted to all advanced classes. Being a single mother of 5 and a full-time nursing student this tragedy has left me crushed beyond words. Jeremiah was my biggest supporter when it came to enrolling in school, he couldn’t wait for me to graduate but unfortunately, he will never see it. His life ended too soon and we will miss him greatly. As a Christian family, we trust God for a speedy resolution in this case. We pray for the person or persons that committed this heinous act. Jeremiah Brown came from a family of love not hate. Chrisel Brown and the family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and donations as we prepare to lay Jeremiah Khyree Brown to rest.
The last update Palm Bay provided on December 27th is as follows:
UPDATE | As a follow up to yesterday’s briefing, the investigation has shown there were not 33 shots fired that we can prove. At this time, we are able to establish there were approximately 6 shots fired that impacted the victims. We cannot divulge an exact number or where the bullets struck the victims at this time. There is no further information at this time.
On December 25, 2022, at approximately 2030 hrs., officers responded to the area known as “the Compound” in the southwest section of Palm Bay after a citizen called in reference to a report of a deceased body found in the wood line. On arrival, it was determined the deceased suffered from at least one gunshot wound. A second deceased body was located suffering from gunshot wounds as well. Both victims were juveniles, ages 14 and 16 years old. The families have requested their names and information not be released under Marsy’s Law.
All available resources are being dedicated to finding the motives and person(s) responsible for this crime.
This is an ongoing and active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456, or contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
