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Memorial held for Brevard deputy shot, killed by roommate

Service for Austin Walsh at First Baptist Church on Merritt Island

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A memorial service was held Friday afternoon for the Brevard County deputy whom investigators said was shot and killed by his roommate, a fellow deputy, while the two were playing video games.

The service for Austin Walsh was set for 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Magnolia Avenue on Merritt Island.

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The 23-year-old died on Dec. 3 while off-duty. Walsh was at his home in the 700 block of Damascus Avenue in Palm Bay with his roommate Andrew Lawson, according to police.

Investigators said Lawson called 911, claiming he “accidentally” shot Walsh.

Records show the two were playing video games when Lawson took out a Glock 34 9mm semi-automatic pistol, an affidavit shows.

According to the affidavit, Lawson believed the gun was unloaded and “jokingly” pointed it at Walsh, pulling the trigger. The gun did not go off, so Lawson racked the slide back before pulling the trigger for a second time, hitting Walsh in the head, the sheriff’s office said.

Lawson now faces a charge of manslaughter.

Read the full affidavit below:

Lawson’s defense attorney, Alan Landman, argued Lawson was extraordinarily foolish, but Landman also called the shooting a tragic accident.

“It was clearly an intentional act of pulling the trigger. Don’t get me wrong,” Landman said. “But under no circumstances did the deputy believe that the firearm was loaded. The two deputies were engaged in a video game, and they were somewhat recreating that environment, goofing off, and it just went wrong.”

Landman said Lawson was not drinking that night, and whatever the outcome in court, Landman believes Lawson will likely never work in law enforcement again.

At the memorial service Friday, Sheriff Wayne Ivey presented a folded American flag to Deputy Walsh’s family.

“What Austin would want from all of this is for what happened to be a lesson that protects and saves other,” the sheriff said. “Perhaps from his death, someone else is saved from the same type of tragedy.”

The state attorney’s office has not formally charged Lawson yet.

He’s been living with his mother in Seminole County since bonding out of jail.

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About the Authors
Thomas Mates headshot

Thomas Mates is a Streaming Executive Producer for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

James Sparvero headshot

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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