Murder-Suicide Investigation Underway By Palm Bay Police After New Year’s Day Early Morning Shooting

By  //  January 3, 2021

Palm Bay Police Detectives are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting

Palm Bay police detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that took place at approximately 3:45 a.m. on Friday, January 1. Detectives are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting and are waiting on autopsy results conducted by the Brevard County Medical Examiners Office.

Investigation has revealed that Kevin Schmitt, 51 of Palm Bay, fatally shot his fiancé Karen Cloyd, 50, also of Palm Bay

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay police detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that took place at approximately 3:45 a.m. on Friday, January 1.

According to Palm Bay Police Lt. Jeff Spears, the shooting occurred at 1683 Saladino Street SE.

“The investigation revealed that Kevin Schmitt, 51 of Palm Bay, fatally shot his fiancé Karen Cloyd, 50, also of Palm Bay,” said Lt. Spears.

“A New Year’s Eve gathering was taking place at the residence when Schmitt began shooting at other guests with one of the rounds striking Cloyd. Once the call was received into the Palm Bay Communications Center, officers quickly arrived on scene.”

Officers discovered Schmitt suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and no other injuries were reported.

Lt. Spears said that Schmitt was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

Detectives are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting and are waiting on autopsy results conducted by the Brevard County Medical Examiners Office.

The investigation is on-going and should anyone have any information about this incident, please contact the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456.

STAY TUNED TO SPACE COAST DAILY FOR UPDATES

Palm Bay Police Sergeant Scott Smith Retires After 29 Years of Dedicated ServiceRelated Story:
Palm Bay Police Sergeant Scott Smith Retires After 29 Years of Dedicated Service