TITUSVILLE, Fla. — The Titusville Police Department announced Tuesday that the February 7 shooting of 25-year-old Tri-Marea Charles by a Titusville officer has been ruled “lawful and justified” by the State Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit.
The ruling follows months of public scrutiny, demands for transparency, and dual investigations by both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office.
In a statement released by Police Chief John Lau, the department said it was informed on June 10 that the State Attorney has completed its review of the FDLE’s independent investigation and found the officer’s actions to be justified. The department reiterated that it remained committed to transparency throughout the process, allowing outside agencies to handle the investigation without interference.
“Per the State Attorney’s Office, the officer involved shooting on February 7th, 2025, was lawful and justified,” the statement read.
On February 7, officers responded to a home on Robbins Avenue when they encountered Charles, who was reportedly armed with a handgun. According to police, Charles dropped the weapon after tripping, then picked it up and advanced toward an officer. The officer then fired multiple shots, fatally striking Charles.
Charles was taken to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The department previously identified the location as a known “hot spot” for criminal activity and stated that a search warrant executed days earlier at the property had led to the seizure of drugs and a firearm.
In the aftermath, community members, civil rights advocates, and Charles’ family demanded to see the body camera footage. His mother, Samantha Charles, made an emotional plea to the Titusville City Council in May, stating, “I still do not have closure… I am just about to break.” The council unanimously supported her request, asking that she be allowed to privately view the body-worn camera footage.
A candlelight vigil and multiple rallies were held in Charles’ honor, with speakers repeatedly calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation.
According to the police department’s June 10 statement, Mr. Charles’ family has now been given the opportunity to view the footage before it is made public. That viewing is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 12.
All records related to the case including body camera footage will be released to the public on Friday, June 13, at 8:00 a.m., in compliance with Florida Statute 119 (Public Records Law). The department noted that an internal affairs investigation is still ongoing.
While the State Attorney’s ruling may bring procedural closure to the case, community tensions remain. Some residents see the decision as confirmation of a justified police response, while others question whether deadly force was necessary.
“This decision may be the legal end of the road, but it doesn’t erase the pain or the questions left behind,” said a community advocate who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Just because something is ‘justified’ doesn’t always mean it was unavoidable.”
The Space Coast Rocket will provide ongoing coverage, including analysis of the footage when released and the outcome of the internal affairs investigation still pending.
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