February 25, 2020 - Brevard Grand Jury Indicts Nicholas MCDUFFIE in Roommate Murder

Today (Feb 25), the Brevard County Grand Jury indicted Nicholas Allen MCDUFFIE (28) for First Degree Premeditated Murder (CF), in connection to the death of Tyler Moore (24), at MCDUFFIE’s home on Leewood Rd in Melbourne, FL. MCDUFFIE was also indicted on eight (8) counts of Tampering with Evidence (F3), one count (1) of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2), Failure to Report a Death (M1), and Driving while License Suspended or Revoked (M1).

On January 3rd, 2020, the grandmother of Moore reported her suspicions that he had been murdered on December 31, 2019, and that his body may still be in the home he shared with MCDUFFIE. Melbourne Police investigated and observed MCDUFFIE and another person, Victor CRUZ (32), transporting what later turned out to be items of evidence from the crime scene to various locations in Brevard County.

Melbourne police executed a search warrant at the home and discovered Moore's body inside. Initially police could only establish that MCDUFFIE and CRUZ had disposed of evidence in the case, but later their investigation yielded enough evidence to charge MCDUFFIE with murder and CRUZ with Accessory After the Fact to a Capital Felony (F1) , seven (7) counts of Tampering with Evidence (F3), and Failure to Report a Death (M1). Both were held on No Bond at the Brevard County Jail.

The Grand Jury heard testimony from the Brevard County Medical Examiner, a Melbourne Police crime scene investigator, and a Melbourne Police detective before returning with the indictments.

MCDUFFIE remains in the Brevard County Jail on No Bond. Arraignment was waived after his attorney filed a Notice of Appearance and Not Guilty plea. The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Robin Lemonidis.

Todd Brown
Public Information &
Communications
 
(321) 617-7310
 
Office of the State Attorney
18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson
Way Building D
Viera, Fl. 32940
 

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