Fifth Suspect Arrested in Home Invasion Robbery that Led to Death of Matthew Nicol of Merritt Island

By  //  June 3, 2021

Anthony Davila, 23, of Cocoa, was arrested Tuesday in Georgia, charged with First Degree Felony Murder

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.

Agents from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Georgia where Davila was taken into custody

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A fifth suspect has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a home invasion robbery that led to the death of 25-year-old Matthew Nicol of Merritt Island. 

Already arrested and in custody are Cory Cabaniss, 25, of Cocoa; Chase Harrison, 28, of Rockledge; Brian Vogel, 29, of Cocoa; and David Foreman-Taylor, 23, of Cocoa.

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.

Davila was arrested after family members convinced him to surrender to authorities and agents from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Georgia where Davila was taken into custody.

He appeared before a judge, where he waived extradition and is now being transported to Brevard County on a No Bond status.

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 said the investigation began on March 3, 2021, when deputies responded to a residence on East Hall Road after receiving a telephone call from a resident advising that he had heard what he believed to be gunshots and glass breaking and upon investigating the noise found Nicol injured in the residence.

Deputies arrived at the residence finding Nicol deceased and the scene was secured as agents from the BCSO Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigators began the investigation.

“The investigation has determined that Davila was allegedly part of a group that went to the residence to commit an armed robbery seeking drug and drug proceeds,” said a BCSO spokesperson.

“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.

“As the group entered the residence, they were confronted by Nicol’s pet dog, which was shot and killed by one member of the group.  Nicol was then confronted by the group at which time he was also shot.  The group then exited the residence and fled the area.  Disturbingly, residents and their associates then removed evidence relating to the drug activities from the residence prior to notifying law enforcement of the crime.”

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)

Agents were able to use information gained from the rental of a U-Haul van the group used to travel to and from the crime scene along with witness statements and other evidence collected to assist in the identification of the members of the group.

With this arrest, all five of the suspects who the investigation determined allegedly entered the residence during the robbery and homicide have been arrested.

The investigation continues to be active an ongoing with additional arrests anticipated.

Anyone who may have information about this death 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.

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.