Palm Bay Man Charged with First-Degree Premeditated Murder After Deadly Shooting in Melbourne

By  //  November 11, 2020

Latavious Shant Johnson charged with murder of Jamie Francis Wright

The murder suspect has been identified as Latavious Shant Johnson. (BCSO Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne Police have arrested a 30-year-old Palm Bay man for the pre-meditated murder of Jamie Francis Wright on October 15 in Melbourne outside 321 Tax/Lizzy’s Restaurant, located on the 1300 block of  E. University Blvd.

The murder suspect has been identified as Latavious Shant Johnson.

Police say the investigation began when police responded to a shooting incident involving two men. Initially, police say they believed Johnson was a victim of the shooting; however, evidence collected over the course of the investigation contradicted this.

“Investigators determined Latavious Johnson arrived at the location where he fatally shot Jamie Francis Wright and then shot her husband, Theron Wright, multiple times. Theron Wright attempted to defend himself and a struggle ensued between the two men,” said Commander Heath Sanders of the Melbourne Police Department.

“Latavious Johnson was shot and injured during the struggle. He then fled to an awaiting SUV and was driven to HRMC by the occupants.”

Authorities say Johnson was released from the hospital on November 7 and transferred to the Brevard County Jail where he has been charged with the following:

– Murder 1st Degree Premeditated
– Attempted Murder
–Possession of a Firearm/Weapon/Ammo by Convicted Felon
– Use Display of a Firearm or Carries Concealed Firearm During the Commission of a Felony

Anyone with information about this shooting incident are being asked to call Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731. Callers can also call Crime Line at 1-800-
423-TIPS (8477).

Johnson has an extensive criminal history that dates back to 2009 with crimes involving battery, drugs and driving with a suspended license.

His court date is set for December 8 in front of judge Rhonda Babb.

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