MELBOURNE, Fla. – A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a Melbourne apartment complex, police said.
Dylan Marlow, who was injured in the shooting, was released from the hospital on Tuesday and faces charges of second-degree murder, burglary of an occupied conveyance, and petit theft.
The fatal shooting happened around 6 a.m. at the Summerset Apartments, south of Lake Washington Road and west of Croton Road.
According to Melbourne police, Ricardo Rodriguez, 58, exited his apartment to start his vehicle when Marlow confronted him, yelling that he was searching for his girlfriend. Marlow left the area, and Rodriguez returned inside.
Minutes later, when Rodriguez left his apartment again, Marlow had returned, and the two became involved in a violent confrontation. Evidence indicated that Rodriguez, armed with a handgun and defending himself, shot Marlow. Marlow then forcibly took Rodriguez’s handgun and shot him, police said
Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Marlow was hospitalized and later transported to the Brevard County Jail. Police say there is no indication the two men knew each other prior to the incident.
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This case is being investigated as a homicide. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731. Tips can be provided anonymously through Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or online at crimeline.org.