Judge Finds Rockledge Auto Shop Killer Responsible But Insane, Commits Robert Bailey Jr. to Secure Psychiatric Institution

Shooting rampage at Schlenker Automotive seven years ago left one dead, paralyzed another

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – In cooperation with victims’ families and defense counsel, prosecutors have resolved the murder case from a Nov. 27, 2017, shooting at a Rockledge auto shop that killed one employee and paralyzed another.

At a Feb. 11 hearing, Circuit Judge Michelle Naberhaus committed the shooter, Robert L. Bailey Jr., 35, to indefinite confinement in a secure state psychiatric institution for his rampage at Schlenker Automotive seven years ago.

Judge Naberhaus determined that:

■ Assistant State Attorney Greg Hansen proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Bailey shot and killed Roger Smith, 50; shot and permanently paralyzed David Cordero, 25; then chased and fired at the store manager and assaulted another employee before the manager shot and stopped Bailey with his own concealed handgun. Bailey was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
■ Bailey is schizophrenic and delusional, according to defense and prosecution experts who evaluated him and is not guilty by reason of insanity.
■ Bailey is “manifestly dangerous to himself and others” and meets the criteria for involuntary commitment to a high-security state psychiatric hospital. Bailey’s case will remain the jurisdiction of the circuit court in Brevard County, meaning he cannot be released without a court order.

Witnesses and surveillance video portrayed the terror and chaos of Nov. 24, 2017, when Bailey inexplicably walked from Barton Boulevard into the parking at Schlenker’s Automotive around 3 p.m. and opened fire with a .40 caliber Glock handgun.

First, he shot Cordero as the employee finished moving a car. Then, as Smith rushed to help the younger man, Bailey shot him at least nine times, leaving him mortally wounded in a ditch.

Store manager Donald Smith testified that he pulled his own gun and exchanged shots with Bailey amid the parked cars outside before retreating into the shop. Bailey chased Smith into the business, where Smith shot him twice from feet away, incapacitating him. Minutes later, Rockledge Police found two more loaded magazines in Bailey’s pockets.

“That day was my daughter’s birthday,” Smith said. “I didn’t want to die that day.”

Bailey, who appeared in court in Viera, had no prior interaction with Schlenker Automotive or its staff. His motive for the attack remains a mystery, police investigators said.

The consistent psychological evaluations prompted the State Attorney’s Office and defense attorneys to collaborate on a just resolution that could bring some closure to the victims and families while keeping Bailey confined indefinitely. Bailey awaited trial in secure state psychiatric hospitals.

From the witness stand, Bailey’s father, Robert L. Bailey Sr., said he sought help with his son’s mental health issues as far back as second grade. He offered the victims’ families and shooting survivors a tearful apology.

“I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss,” he said. “My heart hurts for you. And I apologize for my son’s actions.”

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