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Craig Dewberry Jr., 27, Identified as the Victim in Tip Top Mini Mart Shooting
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Melbourne, FL – Tragedy struck on September 10, 2024, when Craig S. Dewberry Jr., a 27-year-old resident of Palm Bay, was fatally shot at the Tip Top Mini Mart on Monroe Street. According to a news release from the Melbourne Police Department, the incident occurred around 12:12 p.m., with the sound of gunshots reported east of Stone Magnet Middle School’s campus.
The middle school was immediately placed under lockdown as officers responded to the scene. The first officers arrived within two minutes and discovered Dewberry deceased inside the store. Dewberry was not associated with the store or the nearby school.
Initial witness reports described several individuals fleeing the scene on foot and in vehicles, prompting officers to search the area with the assistance of K9 units.
Witnesses state that the incident was the result of a robbery of Dewberry’s personal belongings. After giving up his jewelry, they say the suspect shot and killed him anyway.
Discarded jewelry was discovered by police in the vicinity of where the suspect is believed to have fled.
Dewberry is a very well known and popular vlogger in the community. He’s described by many as “just a really good dude.” Social media was flooded with friends and family expressing disbelief and sadness over the tragedy.
The investigation led to road closures along University Boulevard from Lipscomb Street to Main Street, which lasted over two hours. Monroe Street remains closed while detectives continue their investigation. Stone Middle Magnet School’s lockdown was lifted approximately 40 minutes after the initial call.
The Melbourne Police Department is actively pursuing leads, and anyone with information is urged to contact them at (321) 608-6731 or Central Florida Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS.
This tragic event marks yet another instance of gun violence in the community as detectives work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.