Suspect Arrested at Greyhound Bus Station After Killing Palm Bay Man at Tip Top Mini Mart
By Space Coast Daily // September 11, 2024
Malachi Dante Bell arrested for first degree murder, robbery with a firearm
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne Police announced on Wednesday that 21-year-old Malachi Dante Bell has been arrested for the shooting death of 27-year-old Craig S. Dewberry Jr. from Palm Bay
Additional information revealed Bell was attempting to flee to south Florida and had traveled to Sebastian to board a Greyhound Bus.
Melbourne Police Detectives along with the Indian River Sheriff’s Office located Bell at the bus station at approximately 6:30 p.m. yesterday where he was taken in custody.
He is being charged with first felony degree murder and robbery with a firearm.
The investigation began September 10, 2024, at 12:12 p.m., when the Melbourne Police School Resource Officer assigned to the Stone Magnet Middle School reported hearing gunshots to the east of the school’s campus.
The school was immediately put into a shelter in place status while patrol officers responded to the scene.
Additional incoming information revealed a person had been shot at the Tip Top Mini Mart (3004 Monroe St).
The first officers arrived on the scene within 2 minutes and quickly found Dewberry Jr. inside the store. Police say Craig S Dewberry Jr. was not associated with the Tip Top Mini Mart, nor the school.
Initial witnesses reported several people running and several vehicles speeding away from the area. The area was searched with a police K9 and police officers.
University Blvd was closed from Lipscomb St to Main St for more than 2 hours. Monroe St remains closed from University Blvd to America St. Stone Middle Magnet School’s shelter status was lifted within 40 minutes of the initial call.
If anyone has any information regarding this case they are asked to call the Melbourne Police Department (321) 608-6731 or Central Florida Crimeline (800) 423-TIPS.
