MELBOURNE, Fla. – A grand jury indicted a Brevard County man Tuesday on a murder charge in the February death of a Melbourne man who was the suspect’s friend.
Chasemichael Smith, 26, was arrested last month after the death of Kenneth Johnson, 32.
Recommended Videos
Police said Johnson’s body was found at a home on McDermott Avenue on Feb. 24, and his pickup truck was missing. The truck was abandoned in Indian River County.
Johnson’s mother told News 6 reporter James Sparvero that Johnson and Smith were childhood friends and that Johnson let Smith live with him when he needed a place to stay.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Police said physical evidence and surveillance video linked Smith to both Johnson’s death from blunt force trauma injuries, and to the theft of Johnson’s truck.
Smith was indicted on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder and grand theft motor vehicle.
No trial date has been set.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: