A Grand Jury in Florida has indicted two men on first-degree murder and attempted murder charges for the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old girl and the wounding of two others outside a Cocoa-area restaurant last month.
The State Attorney’s Office announced today that Jonterich L. Smith, 21, of Cocoa, and Xazavier E. Butler, 20, of Titusville, will be prosecuted for the Oct. 6 killing of Ka’Ryah Duncan. Duncan was tragically shot while sitting in a car outside Anchors Seafood & Chicken on Clearlake Road.
Both defendants face one count of first-degree murder with a firearm for Duncan’s death and two counts of attempted first-degree murder while inflicting great bodily harm for shooting and wounding two 18-year-old Palm Bay men who were with her. The three victims were reportedly waiting for a food order at the time of the attack.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Brevard County Sheriff’s investigators allege that Smith went to the restaurant for carry-out food and spotted the victims, whom he reportedly knew, in the parking lot. Smith then drove away briefly in a Dodge Durango before returning around 4:30 p.m. and blocking the victims’ white sedan.
According to investigators, Smith and Butler exited the driver’s side of the black SUV armed with assault rifles, while a third, yet-to-be-identified assailant emerged from the passenger side with a handgun. The trio opened fire, unleashing dozens of rounds at the victims and killing Duncan. The brutal attack was captured on security video.
Suspect Status
Smith was apprehended on Oct. 11 during a traffic stop in Volusia County and is currently being held in the Brevard County Jail without bond.
Butler, however, remains at large as of November 5, prompting an ongoing search by law enforcement.
In addition to the murder and attempted murder charges, the Grand Jury indicted Smith for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Butler was indicted for possession of a firearm by a delinquent, based on prior juvenile convictions.
READ: Florida Man Who Stabbed Girlfriend Then Dropped Kids Off At School, Gets Life Without Parole
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