A 22-year-old man is behind bars after a Cocoa front-yard fight turned deadly Wednesday, deputies said. The victim later died at a hospital, and neighbors in the Brophy Boulevard area are still rattled.
What Happened
Deputies were called around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to a Brophy Boulevard home after a report that a man had been shot in the front yard. When they arrived, they found a wounded man who was taken to a nearby hospital and later died. Investigators identified him as Xavier Carroll and said the suspected shooter, Terrance Skinner Jr., was found at the scene and taken into custody without incident, according to ClickOrlando.
Arrest and Charges
According to ClickOrlando, "Skinner was charged with first-degree premeditated murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon." The 22-year-old is being held at the Brevard County Jail with no bond.
Investigation and Tips
Investigators said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, and the sheriff's homicide unit has taken over the case. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office lists its Homicide Unit contacts and asks anyone with information to call (321) 633-8413 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Details are posted on the agency's news page via the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
Space Coast Context
The shooting adds to a string of violent incidents across Cocoa and the wider Space Coast in recent months, from ambush-style attacks to other fatal shootings that have kept deputies busy with multiple homicide probes. Local coverage has followed those cases and law-enforcement responses, including a 2025 store shooting that injured a child.
Legal Notes
First-degree premeditated murder is a capital felony in Florida and can be punished by death or life in prison, according to Florida Statutes 7782.04. The investigation and any prosecutorial decisions will move through the local court system as detectives continue gathering evidence.
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains active and that more details will be released as they become available. Anyone with relevant video or information is urged to contact investigators through the homicide unit or Crimeline.
