Gun Laws

Plea and Sentencing Set in 2022 Palm Bay Shooting Death of Deputy Austin Walsh

Published on

By Robert W. Burns III
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BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. A Brevard County criminal case stemming from the 2022 shooting death of off duty Sheriff’s Office deputy Austin Walsh is scheduled to reach a resolution in court Thursday morning.

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Court minutes show a plea hearing and sentencing are set for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. before Circuit Judge Michelle Naberhaus at the Moore Justice Center, located at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera.

What the case is about

The defendant, Andrew Jacob Lawson, was arrested in December 2022 after investigators alleged he shot Walsh during an off duty incident at their Palm Bay residence. In affidavits filed in the case, investigators said the two men had been playing video games and spending time together when Lawson handled a handgun he believed was not loaded.

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According to the allegations summarized in the FDLE paperwork, Lawson pointed the firearm toward Walsh and pulled the trigger. The gun did not fire, and Lawson then manipulated the slide. Investigators allege Lawson pointed the gun again and pulled the trigger a second time, firing a single round that struck Walsh in the head. Walsh was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lawson called 911 to report the shooting, according to investigators. The incident drew widespread attention at the time, including public statements from Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey describing the death as avoidable and urging firearm safety.

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Charge

Lawson is charged with manslaughter with a weapon or firearm reclassified, a first degree felony count in this case.

What happens next

Thursday’s hearing is expected to combine two major steps: a plea proceeding, where the court will review any negotiated agreement and confirm the defendant’s understanding of the plea, followed by sentencing, where the judge may impose a prison term, probation, or other conditions depending on the terms presented and the court’s findings.

Courtrooms are generally open to the public, and those planning to attend should allow extra time for security screening.

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