Melbourne, Florida – A grand jury in Brevard County has indicted a man for the murder of a friend in Melbourne. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Chasemichael Wilson Smith, has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and grand theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the death of 32-year-old Kenneth Johnson.
The investigation began when Melbourne Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting a dead body at a home on McDermott Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Johnson’s body with severe injuries. The Medical Examiner determined that Johnson died from blunt-force trauma injuries. The murder weapon, a blue and black rubber-handled claw hammer, was found near the body.
Smith, who was identified as a person of interest in the case, was staying with Johnson at his home before the murder. Investigators found additional evidence linking Smith to the murder and the theft of Johnson’s truck, including witness testimony and surveillance video footage.
After obtaining a warrant for Smith’s arrest, police charged him with first-degree murder. Smith was arrested two days later and is being held in the Brevard County jail without bond. The grand jury officially indicted Smith on the charges of first-degree premeditated murder and grand theft of a motor vehicle after hearing testimony from the Medical Examiner and Police Investigators.
A trial date for Smith has not yet been set as the case continues to develop. The community in Melbourne is shocked by the tragic incident and awaits justice for the victim, Kenneth Johnson. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder is ongoing.