Brevard County Grand Jury Returns With First-Degree Murder Indictments Against Melbourne Man
By Space Coast Daily // November 21, 2024
responsible for tragic overdose deaths of Palm Bay Residents

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The grand jury of Brevard County returned an indictment for First-Degree Felony Murder on Two Counts and Distribution of Controlled Substance (fentanyl) Overdose against 59-year-old Bernard Cedric Hardy, who was responsible for the tragic overdose deaths of two members of the Palm Bay community.
On July 15, 2023, officers responded to the 600 block of Eldron Blvd SE for two unresponsive females. Officers began lifesaving measures until EMS personnel arrived on scene.
Both individuals were transported to the hospital where one, 22-year-old Julianna Junz, was pronounced deceased. It was later found that she died of an overdose due to fentanyl.
The next day, officers again responded to the same address to an unresponsive male, 37-year-old Stephen Defuria. He also died of a fentanyl overdose.
Detectives with the Major Case Unit have worked tirelessly this past year to identify the person responsible for supplying the drugs that caused these tragic deaths.
After an extensive investigation and review of the evidence, detectives identified Bernard Cedric Hardy as the suspect.
“This indictment is a critical step in our relentless fight against the opioid epidemic and those who profit from it at the expense of innocent lives,” said Palm Bay Chief Mario Augello.
“Let this be a stern warning to anyone who engages in the illegal distribution of drugs with reckless disregard for human life: We are coming for you.”

Chief Augello continued on,”The Palm Bay Police Department, in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, will continue to use every resource at our disposal to bring drug dealers to justice. If you are poisoning our community with your greed and disregard for human life, know this—there is no safe haven for you in Palm Bay. We will pursue you. We will find you. And we will hold you accountable for the devastation you bring to our families and neighborhoods.
To our residents, we remain deeply committed to the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. While addressing the challenges of drug trafficking is an essential part of protecting our community, we recognize that the fight against substance abuse requires a holistic approach. Our efforts go beyond simply arresting drug dealers—we are equally dedicated to helping those affected by addiction. Through valuable partnerships with organizations like the Brevard Prevention Coalition, local healthcare providers, and community outreach programs, we are working to ensure that individuals struggling with substance use have access to the support, treatment, and resources they need to recover Together, we can make Palm Bay a safer and healthier place for everyone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, we urge you to seek help.”