UPDATE: Suspect Identified, Charged With Second-Degree Murder in Melbourne Apartment Shooting
By Space Coast Daily // December 2, 2025
Dylan Marlow, a 39-year-old transient, charged with second-degree murder, burglary
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Melbourne police have identified Dylan Marlow, a 39-year-old transient, as the suspected shooter in a deadly encounter early Monday morning at the Summerset Apartments and announced multiple charges following his release from the hospital.
Marlow was released from a local hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and has since been booked into the Brevard County Jail.
He faces charges of second-degree murder, burglary of an occupied conveyance, and petit theft, according to the Melbourne Police Department.
The victim has been identified as Ricardo Rodriguez, 58, of Melbourne, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, the shooting occurred around 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, when officers were dispatched to the Summerset Apartments for a reported suspicious incident. While responding, officers heard gunshots nearby and quickly located two adult men outside one of the apartment units.
Rodriguez was found with fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Marlow had also been shot and was transported to a local hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition and expected to recover.
Detectives say the incident began when Rodriguez exited his apartment to start a vehicle and was confronted by Marlow, who was yelling and claiming he was searching for his girlfriend.
Marlow then left the area, and Rodriguez went back inside his apartment.
A short time later, when Rodriguez stepped outside again, Marlow had returned. Investigators say the two became involved in a violent confrontation. Evidence indicates Rodriguez, who was armed with a handgun, shot Marlow while attempting to defend himself.
Police say Marlow then forcefully took the handgun from Rodriguez and shot him, killing him.
Authorities have found no indication that the two men knew each other before the encounter.
Following his release from the hospital, Marlow was transported to the Brevard County Jail, where he was formally charged. Police have not yet released details about Marlow’s first court appearance or bond status.
Investigators emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The case remains under active investigation as detectives continue to review evidence, witness statements, and forensic findings.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Melbourne Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 321-608-6400 or 321-608-6731. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or online at crimeline.org.
