Anthony Davila, Chase Harrison, and Cory Cabaniss each face charges of first-degree felony murder stemming from the incident at Nicol’s home on East Hall Road.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Jury selection is underway in Brevard County for the joint trial of three men charged in connection with a deadly Merritt Island home invasion that claimed the life of 25-year-old Matthew Nicol more than five years ago.
Chase Harrison, Cory Cabaniss and Anthony Davila each face charges of first-degree felony murder stemming from the incident at Nicol’s home on East Hall Road.
According to investigators, the three men allegedly disguised themselves as DEA agents and Brevard County sheriff’s deputies to gain access to the residence during what authorities describe as a planned robbery.
Detectives say the suspects arrived in a rented U-Haul van wearing tactical clothing, face coverings, and armed with rifles. Investigators believe the home was targeted because a rival drug dealer was living at the residence.
During the home invasion, authorities say Matthew Nicol was restrained with zip ties before he was accidentally shot and killed.
Investigators also said one of the suspects shot and killed Nicol’s dog during the incident.
The trial is expected to focus on the events surrounding the home invasion and the prosecution’s case against the three defendants, who are all accused of participating in the robbery that resulted in Nicol’s death. Jury selection is the first step before opening statements and testimony begin.
