Tuesday (Apr 9), the Brevard Grand Jury Indicted Chasemichael Wilson Smith (26), for First-Degree Premeditated Murder (CF), and Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3), in connection to the death of Kenneth Johnson (32).

 

On February 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm, Melbourne Police responded to a 911 call of a dead body at a residence on Mc Dermott Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Johnson lying on the floor deceased, with significant trauma to his head and body. Witnesses also reported his pickup truck missing. The vehicle was found abandoned in Indian River County a day earlier on February 23rd. 

 

The Medical Examiner determined Johnson's death to be a homicide resulting from multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

 

A subsequent investigation identified SMITH as a friend of Johnson who had been staying at the home and was the last person seen with the victim prior to his death. Physical evidence, witness testimony, and surveillance video linked SMITH to the murder, and the theft of Johnson's truck. On March 5, 2024, a warrant charging SMITH with First-Degree Murder was issued. He was arrested on March 7, 2024, and held without bond at the Brevard County Jail.

 

The Grand Jury heard testimony from the Associate Brevard Medical Examiner and Melbourne Police Investigators 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.