PALM BAY, Fla. – Nearly a year after two teenagers were found dead in the Palm Bay area known as “The Compound,” police say they have arrested a man in connection with their deaths.
Jamarcus Simpson, 18, was arrested this week and is facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder. Police said he was already being held in St. Johns County Jail on unrelated charges
Jeremiah Brown, 14, and Travon Anthony, 16, were found shot to death in the area of Camillo Circle SW in “The Compound” on Christmas Day in 2022. Police said it appeared Brown and Anthony were executed and left in an open field.
There are other suspects in the case, and Palm Bay’s police chief says they are hoping someone will come forward with evidence that will allow them to fully close the case.
“To the others involved in these murders, we know who you are, and rest assured, we will not stop until you are behind bars. You may have forgotten, but we haven’t,” Police Chief Mario Augello said in a news release.
“The Compound” is an undeveloped area in Palm Bay that has long been known for ATV riding, wild parties, and crime.
In the last year, several bodies have been found in “The Compound,” including two homicide victims. Nancy Howery was found dead last February. Nick Mitchell was found dead in September. Suspects were arrested in both cases.
“I think it shows that you can’t come into Palm Bay and commit crime and get away with it,” former city council candidate Thomas Gaume said on Friday.
The city has been looking into possibly developing “The Compound” or looking for another way to deal with the issues there.
“I think we need some short-term solutions,” Gaume said. “As far as the police department goes, I am ecstatic, and I never had a doubt on what the final outcome of this would be.”
Anyone with information can call Palm Bay police at 321-952-3463, or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) if they wish to remain anonymous.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: