MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – A 23-year-old Cocoa man was arrested on murder charges in connection with a shooting death earlier this year on Merritt Island.
David Emerson Foreman-Taylor was arrested on charges of murder while engaged in a felony offense, animal cruelty and armed burglary of a dwelling.
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Brevard County sheriff’s deputies said Matthew Nicol was found dead March 3 at a home on Hall Road.
Sheriff’s officials said the fatal shooting appeared to stem from an armed robbery at Nicol’s home.
Nicol’s roommate called 911 to report the home invasion.
“Heard a gunshot in the area after somebody broke into the residence and his roommate and dog were shot,” a dispatcher relayed.
Deputies said they believed Nicol was targeted and possibly by more than one person.
Nicol’s roommate reported multiple men got away in a van.
A responding deputy reported men were wearing all black and wearing masks.
A dispatcher said they left in a large, white van with red letters and stickers.
The sheriff’s office found a U-Haul van matching the description that night. Responders reported receiving a tip that the van was dropped off at the Merritt Island U-Haul site by the mall, but when authorities got there nobody was in it.
Nicol’s best friend, Colin Griffin, said he wants justice for Matt.
“I cried for three days straight I couldn’t stop thinking about his family,” Griffin said.
Nicol’s best friend said they were close since the fourth grade. Griffin shared photos with News 6 of him and Griffin skateboarding and going fishing with friends.
“Every person that was around him he would make feel loved, happy. He always had good energy and he’s just hilarious, such a good guy to be around,” Griffin said.
Also Thursday, Foreman-Taylor is expected to face a judge at the Brevard County jail.
The suspect is in custody at the jail without a bond.