Kevin Doswell Charged With First-Degree Premeditated Murder For Death of Michael Sumner

By  //  March 9, 2020

Kevin Doswell, 40, charged with murder

WATCH: West Melbourne police officers take down suspect Kevin Doswell at the Cumberland Farms Store on Wickham Road on Sunday in connection with a homicide at the River Palm Hotel that happened on Saturday. (FOX 35 video)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne Police have announced that the lead detectives have officially charged Kevin Doswell with First-Degree Premeditated Murder in relation to the death of Michael Sumner.

Melbourne police arrested Doswell at the River Palm Hotel, located at 420 S. Harbor City Boulevard, at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday morning.

According to Melbourne Police Lt. Shawn Eising, the suspected homicide victim has been identified as Michael Dale Sumner of Melbourne, Florida.

“Mr. Sumner was a resident of the River Palm Hotel for the last few months and shared control of a Ford F-150 with his business partner,” said Lt. Eising.

“The vehicle was last seen at the River Palm Hotel and investigators developed information the vehicle was being driven by Kevin Doswell, who was a known associate of the victim.”

Lt. Eising said the owner of the vehicle requested it to be listed as stolen and he supported the prosecution of whoever took the vehicle.

Melbourne police arrested Doswell at the River Palm Hotel, located at 420 S. Harbor City Boulevard, at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday morning.

A BOLO was issued for the vehicle on Saturday, and the West Melbourne Police Department responded to the Cumberland Farms Store, located at 440 South Wickham Road, on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. in reference to the vehicle being seen in the parking lot.

According to Lt. Eising, officers arrived on the scene and located 40-year-old Kevin Doswell sitting in the driver’s seat.

“Doswell initially resisted the West Melbourne Officer’s efforts to detain him; however, he was ultimately taken into custody and transferred to the custody of the Melbourne Police Department for an interview with detectives,” said Lt. Eising.

“While attempting to speak with Kevin Doswell, he became agitated and struck one of the detectives.”

WATCH: West Melbourne Police Take Down Suspect Kevin Doswell in Connection With Homicide at River Palm HotelRelated Story:
WATCH: West Melbourne Police Take Down Suspect Kevin Doswell in Connection With Homicide at River Palm Hotel

In addition to Doswell being charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder, he has also been charged with Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6443. Callers can also call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)

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