COCOA POLICE: Group of Teens In Cocoa Record ‘Inhumane and Cruel’ Video of Man Drowning In Pond
By Space Coast Daily // July 20, 2017
"...no words to describe how utterly inhumane and cruel the actions of these juveniles were towards Mr. Dunn"
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Cocoa Police have released more information on the death of 31-year-old Jamel Dunn from Cocoa.
Authorities say Cocoa Police officers responded to the southern pond at Bracco Park for a report of a body found floating close to the edge of the pond. It was later determined by the medical examiner that Dunn’s cause of death was drowning.
Over the weekend, detectives say Dunn’s death was recorded on video by a group of teens and posted on social media.
Authorities say the disturbing footage captures the teens mocking and laughing at Dunn as he struggled, and yelled for help, before going under the water.
“The video was brought to our attention this past weekend, our detectives reviewed the video, and the five juveniles who recorded the incident were identified and interviewed,” said Cocoa Police Chief Mike Cantaloupe.
“The State Attorney’s Office was consulted regarding what, if any criminal charges could be applied in this incident, and as horrible as this video is, the laws in the State of Florida do not obligate citizens to render aid or call someone to render aid to a person in distress.
“We are all affected by what was captured on the video. There are no words to describe how utterly inhumane and cruel the actions of these juveniles were towards Mr. Dunn.”
Police found Dunn’s body on July 14 after Dunn’s fiancé reported him missing on Wednesday, July 12.
Chief Cantaloupe offered his condolences to Dunn’s family and friends.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to Mr. Dunn’s family and friends. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his decision to enter the water that day, there is absolutely no justification for what the juveniles did,” Chief Cantaloupe added.
“As law enforcement officers, we are sworn to uphold and enforce the laws. Unfortunately, there are no laws in Florida that apply to this scenario. Perhaps this case may be what’s needed to pass new laws. As chief of police there are times when I wish I could do more. But I’m a firm believer in that good will always win over evil. It may not come in our life time, but there will be justice.”
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