16-Year-Old Stages Double Homicide in Palm Bay, Kills Her Mother After She Disapproves of Her Gender Transition

Julia Egler, 16, has been charged with two counts of First-Degree Pre-Meditated Murder

POLICE: Based on the evidence, including Egler’s confession and forensic findings at the scene, she was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of 1st Degree Pre-Meditated Murder.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – A 16-year-old juvenile from Palm Bay, who self-described to police as in the middle of a gender transition, was charged with two counts of First-Degree Pre-Meditated Murder after she killed her mother, Kelley McCollom and 22-year-old Matthew Szejnrok, following her mother’s disapproval of her gender transition.

Initially, Palm Bay police officers responded to a 911 call on Sunday about a reported break-in at a residence on Benchor Drive.

“When officers arrived, they discovered the bodies of Kelley McCollom, 38, and Matthew Szejnrok, 22, who were both dead from apparent gunshot wounds,” said Palm Bay Police Lt. Virginia Kilmer.

Lt. Kilmer said Julia Egler, 16, who was initially present at the scene, provided a detailed account to dispatch, stating an unknown male intruder had entered the residence through a back sliding glass door.

However, upon further investigation, police say the evidence uncovered at the scene suggested a more complex scenario.

“After a thorough investigation, including a search warrant executed at the residence by police, Palm Bay Police Detectives conducted interviews with Julia Egler,” said Lt. Kilmer.

That is when Egler confessed to the murders of Kelley McCollom and Matthew Szejnrok. Egler admitted to obtaining a .38 special revolver from her mother’s bedroom, waiting for the victims to return home, and then shooting them multiple times, according to Lt. Kilmer.

“Egler cited longstanding conflicts with her mother, including disagreements related to her gender transition, as well as disapproval of her mother’s relationship with Szejnrok, as motives for the crime,” said Lt. Kilmer.

“Based on the evidence, including Egler’s confession and forensic findings at the scene, she was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of 1st Degree Pre-Meditated Murder.”

Egler was subsequently transported to the Palm Bay Police Department’s booking facility and later transferred to Juvenile Detention Center without incident.

“This is a tragic case,” said Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this loss. The investigation is ongoing, and our detectives will continue to work diligently to uncover all the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

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