Yesterday (Feb 22), the Brevard County Grand Jury indicted Brandi VESSELS (48), for two counts of First-Degree Felony Murder by Distribution of a Controlled Substance (CF) and one count of Sale or Delivery of Fentanyl (F-2) in connection to the drug overdose deaths of her son, Austin Vessels (25) and Matthew Taylor (39).

 

On July 18, 2021, just after 9:30 am, witnesses reported to the Titusville Police that Austin Vessels and Matthew Taylor were found deceased in Vessel's apartment at 3047 Sir Hamilton Circle. A powder substance later identified as Fentanyl, was found next to Austin's body. The Medical Examiner reported that both died of an accidental overdose of Fentanyl.  

 

The subsequent investigation established that on the evening prior (July 17), Austin had been at the nearby apartment of his mother, Brandi VESSELS with the two partying and using cocaine. When the cocaine ran out, Brandi arranged to purchase more from a local dealer, with Austin accompanying her and providing the money for the transaction. After the drug buy, Brandi gave the drugs to Austin, who then met with Taylor and the two returned to the apartment where they were later found deceased.

 

Titusville investigators arrested Brandi VESSELS on January 25, 2022, and she was held on No Bond at the Brevard County Jail.

 

The Grand Jury heard testimony from a Titusville Police Investigator and the Brevard County Medical Examiner before returning with the indictment.

 

No trial date has been set in this case. Please consult the Brevard Clerk of Courts website for updates on future court appearances by this defendant.