Brevard County Jury Indicts Five Men For the Death of Matthew Nicol During Armed Home Invasion

By  //  June 3, 2021

WATCH: Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey reports the home invasion robbery that led to the death of 25-year-old Matthew Nicol of Merritt Island. In what appears as an attempt to overcome any resistance from persons at the residence, the five suspects were dressed in replica attire simulating the appearance of law enforcement, including tactical pants and shirts, helmets, communication devices, rifles and replica Sheriff and DEA patches.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A Brevard County Grand Jury has issued indictments on five men for the death of 25-year-old Matthew Nicol and his dog on March 3, 2021, during an armed home invasion.

Those indicted include Anthony Davila, 23, of Cocoa; Cory Cabaniss, 25, of Cocoa; Chase Harrison, 28, of Rockledge; Brian Vogel, 29, of Cocoa; and David Foreman-Taylor, 23, of Cocoa.

The men were indicted for First Degree Felony Murder, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling Inflicting Death, and Cruelty to Animals

On March 3, 2021, the men targeted Nicol’s residence at 395 East Hall Road, Merritt Island, for a home invasion robbery posing as law enforcement drug agents.

During the attempt, both Nicol and his dog were shot and killed.

The group fled the scene, and Brevard County Sheriff’s Investigators began a months-long investigation that identified and lead to the capture of all five defendants.

All of the men are being held on No Bond at the Brevard County Jail.

The Grand Jury heard testimony from a Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigator and Agent, along with a lay witness before returning with the indictments.

No trial date has been set in this case.

Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to please call Agent Don Reynolds of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).  All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.

BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: The investigation determined that Foreman-Taylor was part of a group that went to the residence to commit an armed robbery seeking drug and drug proceeds. In what appears as an attempt to overcome any resistance from persons at the residence, the group dressed in replica attire simulating the appearance of law enforcement. This included tactical pants and shirts, helmets, communication devices, rifles and replica Sheriff and DEA patches. (BCSO images)
Anthony Davila, 23, of Cocoa, was arrested Tuesday in Bainbridge, Georgia, after an arrest warrant was issued charging him with First Degree Felony Murder, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling and Animal Cruelty. (BCSO image)
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a second suspect, 29-year-old, Brian Vogel of Cocoa, above, for his involvement in a home invasion robbery that led to the death of 25-year-old Matthew Nicol of Merritt Island.
Brevard Sheriff’s Agents arrested 23-year-old David Foreman-Taylor of Cocoa for his involvement in the home invasion robbery and murder of Matthew Nicol. (BCSO image)
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a third suspect, Chase Harrison, 28, of Rockledge was charged with First Degree Felony Murder, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling and Animal Cruelty. He was arrested at the Brevard County Jail where they were already incarcerated on multiple drug charges and is being held on a No Bond status.
Cory Cabaniss, 25, of Cocoa was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force, which the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is a participating member, after an arrest warrant was issued charging him with First Degree Felony Murder, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling and Animal Cruelty.