FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Oct. 30, 2012

Brevard Grand Jury Indicts

Melbourne Man for First-Degree Murder

The Brevard County Grand Jury returned a first-degree murder indictment today (Oct. 30) against John Phillip Bryant, 32, 3414 Saxon St., Melbourne, in connection with the Sept. 2 shooting death of Brandon Jones. Bryant is a fugitive from justice who law enforcement officers have been searching for since Oct. 2, said Assistant State Attorney Michael Hunt.

Residents along Henry Street NE and Florida Avenue NE in Palm Bay called police early in the evening on Sept. 2 to report hearing gunfire in the area. When Palm Bay Police arrived, they found 22-year-old Jones collapsed behind 2214 Northview St. NE. Jones died within the hour at Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Hunt said the Grand Jury heard testimony Tuesday from two Palm Bay Police Department crime scene investigators, a Palm Bay detective, and four lay witnesses before returning the indictment. Bryant was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Hunt said that anyone with information about Bryant’s whereabouts should immediately contact either Palm Bay Policeat 952-3456 or CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS(8477). Bryant, who is also known locally as “Chill Phill,” is described as a black male, 5-foot 11-inches tall, and 183 pounds.