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WATCH: Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey Locks Up ‘Animal, a Monster That Killed 15-Year-Old Girl’

By  //  October 14, 2025

charged with first-degree murder in ambush-style shooting that killed 15-year-old Ka’Ryah Duncan

WATCH: Brevard County Sheriff Ivey personally oversaw 20-year-old Jonterich Smith’s transfer to the Brevard County Jail in shackles and leg irons, describing the murder suspect as “an animal, a monster that killed a 15-year-old girl.”

Sheriff’s Agents are still searching for another suspect, Xazavier Butler, who is wanted on similar charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Brevard County Sheriff Ivey personally oversaw 20-year-old Jonterich Smith’s transfer to the Brevard County Jail in shackles and leg irons, describing the murder suspect as “an animal, a monster that killed a 15-year-old girl.”

Smith, of Cocoa, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the ambush-style shooting that killed 15-year-old Ka’Ryah Duncan and injured two others outside a restaurant in Cocoa earlier this month.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced that Jonterich Smith was taken into custody on Monday, Oct. 13, following a traffic stop in Volusia County.

Smith now faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm related to the deadly shooting that unfolded on Oct. 6.

Brevard County Sheriff Ivey personally oversaw 20-year-old Jonterich Smith’s transfer to the Brevard County Jail in shackles and leg irons, describing the murder suspect as “an animal, a monster that killed a 15-year-old girl.” (BCSO image)

Investigators said Duncan, her boyfriend, and another friend had just parked in front of Anchors Seafood & Chicken on Clearlake Road near Rosentine Street when a dark-colored SUV pulled up behind them.

Several men reportedly jumped out and opened fire, striking all three victims as they tried to exit their vehicle.

Emergency responders rushed the victims to a local hospital, where Duncan later died from her injuries. Her two companions are recovering. Detectives recovered at least 30 shell casings from the scene.

Brevard County Sheriff Ivey personally oversaw 20-year-old Jonterich Smith’s transfer to the Brevard County Jail in shackles and leg irons, describing the murder suspect as “an animal, a monster that killed a 15-year-old girl.” Smith, of Cocoa, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the ambush-style shooting that killed 15-year-old Ka’Ryah Duncan and injured two others outside a restaurant in Cocoa earlier this month. (BCSO image)

“We’ve got him in custody thanks to our partners in Volusia County,” Ivey said. “It’s horrific. Our community doesn’t tolerate that, and I’m just glad this one’s behind bars.”

Authorities are still searching for another suspect, Xazavier Butler, who is wanted on similar charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

“We’re attempting to locate him,” Ivey said. “Turn yourself in.”

Sheriff’s Agents are still searching for another suspect, Xazavier Butler, who is wanted on similar charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. (BCSO image)