Tuesday (Oct 3), the Brevard County Grand Jury issued murder indictments for three defendants in two separate Palm Bay incidents.

Robert LANNING III (28), and Rene LEMOS (41), were indicted for First-Degree Felony Murder (CF), Robbery with a Firearm (F1 PBL), Tampering with Evidence Relating to a Capital Felony (F2), and Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3), in connection to the death of Nicholas Mitchell (30), in Palm Bay.

On August 30, 2023, Mitchell's roommate contacted Palm Bay Police after he left home in his car and failed to return. Five days later, on September 4, 2023, LANNING was arrested in Guntersville, AL after fleeing from law enforcement while driving Mitchell's car. LEMOS was also at that location driving her own vehicle. LANNING tried to claim he bought the car from Mitchell; however, investigators established LANNING and LEMOS met with Mitchell at a Palm Bay convenience store early on August 30th. The group then went to a wooded area known as "The Compound" where Mitchell was ultimately shot and killed, and his car stolen. LANNING and LEMOS later blamed each other for actually shooting Mitchell.

Mitchell's body was found on September 8, 2023, near Warbler Avenue in the compound.

Evan CHAMBLISS (23), was indicted for First-Degree Felony Murder (CF), Carjacking with a Firearm (F1 PBL), and Tampering with Evidence Relating to a Capital Felony (F2), in connection to the death of Alpeshkumar Shah (56), in Palm Bay.

On September 12, 2023, at 11:45 pm, Palm Bay Police responded to a convenience store on Bayside Lakes Blvd SE where they found Shah had been shot and his car stolen. Transported to a hospital, Shah later died from his injuries. The subsequent investigation established that Shah had been confronted by CHAMBLISS in the parking lot after making a purchase and while returning to his car. CHAMBLISS then shot Shah, took his keys, and fled with his car. Approximately 40 minutes later, CHAMBLISS was seen driving Shah’s car and after a short chase, was captured by Indian River County Deputies. 

The Grand Jury heard testimony from Palm Bay Investigators and the Brevard County Associate Medical Examiner before returning with the indictments.

LANNING, LEMOS, and CHAMBLISS are all being held on No Bond at the Brevard County Jail. No trial date has been set in these cases. Please consult the Brevard Clerk of Courts website for updates on future court appearances by these defendants.