Authorities say a Royal Palm Beach man is facing murder and attempted murder charges after a Tuesday shooting on Coconut Boulevard that left one person dead and three others wounded. The gunfire started inside a home and spilled into the street, with two victims crashing in a vehicle a short distance away while another ran from the scene and was helped by a nearby resident. The suspect is being held at the county jail as detectives keep working the case.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has identified the suspect as Thomas Faferko-Schmedes and says he was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. He faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder, according to WPBF, which reports he was scheduled for a first-appearance hearing Wednesday morning.
What investigators say
Deputies were called just before 5 p.m. to a residence on Coconut Boulevard, where they found one person inside who later died, according to the sheriff's office. Three others had been struck by gunfire. Two were taken to hospitals in serious condition and a third was listed as stable, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) says. Detectives describe the investigation as active and ongoing as they canvass the area and review surveillance and other evidence.
Scene and bystander help
According to WPBF, two of the victims crashed their vehicle a short distance from the home, and a nearby resident assisted another victim who had fled on foot. Authorities have not released the victims' names, citing pending notifications to their families. PBSO's Violent Crimes detectives are urging anyone with video or information to come forward while they sort out the sequence of events.
Charges and next steps
The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office will review the case as detectives continue gathering evidence, and Faferko-Schmedes is expected to remain in custody as court proceedings get underway. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue any additional charges if new evidence surfaces. Public records and upcoming court hearings are expected to provide the next formal updates on the case.
How to help
Authorities are asking anyone with tips, dashcam video or surveillance footage to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office or local Crime Stoppers so detectives can follow up. Information can be submitted through PBSO's website or tip lines, and investigators emphasize that community cooperation is important to resolving the investigation. Officials also urge residents to avoid sharing unverified details online while the case remains open.
