Yesterday (Oct 5), the Brevard County Grand Jury indicted Lakeisha MITCHELL (41) for First-Degree Felony Murder (CF), Aggravated Child Abuse - Great Bodily Harm (F1), Neglect of a Child (F3), and Child Abuse (F3), and Gary RIVERS (50) for First-Degree Premeditated Murder with a Firearm (CF), in separate incidents.

 

On August 23, 2021, at 7:20 pm, Titusville Police and EMS responded to a 9-11 call from MITCHELL that her foster child, Joy King-Castro (4), was found unconscious in the bathtub at 1030 Queen Street. The child was transported to Parrish Medical Center in critical condition then transferred to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital. MITCHELL told police the incident was an accident, however medical staff discovered King-Castro had extensive physical injuries that were not consistent with MITCHELL's statements and ultimately resulted in the child's death. Initially arrested for Aggravated Child Abuse, MITCHELL was later charged with murder after the Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.

 

On September 17, 2021, just before 6:00 am, Brevard Sheriff's Deputies responded to a 9-11 call from RIVERS that he shot his wife Mara Lynn Rivers (48), during a domestic argument at the couple's home at 4960 Blounts Ridge Rd. in Mims. Upon arrival, deputies found Mara Lynn Rivers already deceased in the carport, having suffered a single gunshot wound. RIVERS was arrested and held on No Bond.

 

The Grand Jury heard testimony from Titusville Police and Brevard County Sheriff's Investigators, along with the Brevard Medical Examiner before returning with the indictments.

 

MITCHELL and RIVERS are being held on No Bond at the Brevard County Jail and no trial date has been set in either case. Please consult the Brevard Clerk of Courts website for updates on future court appearances by these defendants.