After months of dead ends in a 2023 killing, Brevard County detectives say they have finally zeroed in on a suspect. Tavery Houston, who investigators say goes by the nickname "Cookie," was arrested on Tuesday and charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the shooting death of Franklin Orwig in Cocoa. He is being held without bond as the case moves through the Brevard County court system.
The deadly shooting unfolded on Aug. 11, 2023, at a home in the 5500 block of Burgess Avenue in Cocoa, where deputies found 58-year-old Franklin Orwig suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, according to a news release from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Investigators say the confrontation that ended in gunfire started as a dispute over money, as reported by WESH.
How Detectives Tracked 'Cookie'
Detectives say the case initially went cold because witnesses could only describe a masked gunman, leaving them with more questions than answers. Over time, though, tips and follow-up interviews helped investigators connect the nickname "Cookie" to Houston. The arrest was built on witness interviews, physical evidence, and a statement from the suspect, according to Space Coast Daily.
"Our Agents, Analysts, and Crime Scene members worked diligently," Sheriff Wayne Ivey said, crediting his teams for the months of investigative work that led to Houston's arrest, as reported by WESH. Ivey added that Houston is now behind bars on a no-bond status on the first-degree premeditated murder charge.
Legal Status and Next Steps
Houston faces a charge of first-degree premeditated murder and made an initial court appearance in early April; he remains jailed without bond while prosecutors prepare the case, according to WFTV. Court deadlines and procedural rules will dictate how quickly prosecutors must file formal charges and when a trial date can be set.
The sheriff’s office is still asking anyone with information about the case to contact Agent Vince Bustillo of the BCSO Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS, according to the sheriff’s original release. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for a reward if they lead to additional charges.
