Police charge an 18-year-old and a minor with first-degree murder following a deadly August robbery at Patrick Woodard Memorial Park.
PALM BAY, FL — Police arrested two teenagers Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting and armed robbery of a 22-year-old man at a local public park late last month, according to authorities with the Palm Bay Police Department.
The arrests of 18-year-old Christopher Hriciso and 17-year-old Caleb Davis follow a weeklong homicide investigation into the death of Isaac Cohen, who was killed during an evening encounter at Patrick Woodard Memorial Park on Aug. 26. Law enforcement officers charged both suspects with first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm. Detectives said the shooting stemmed from an attempted robbery, highlighting growing concerns over violent crimes involving youth at public recreational areas in Brevard County.
Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at the public park shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 26. First responders arrived at the scene near the 500 block of Malabar Road and located Cohen suffering from a single gunshot wound. Paramedics rendered medical aid, but Cohen succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after officers arrived. Detectives immediately sealed off the surrounding park grounds to search for physical evidence, recover shell casings, and interview witnesses who were nearby when the gunshots rang out. Investigators quickly identified Hriciso and Davis as primary suspects through physical evidence and witness interviews. Officers located and took both teenagers into custody without incident on Sept. 3. “Our detectives worked around the clock to ensure those responsible were taken into custody quickly,” Palm Bay Police Department spokesperson Lt. Virginia Kilmer said.
According to arrest records released by police, investigators determined that Cohen arranged to meet the two teenagers at the park on the evening of the shooting. Authorities stated that what was intended as a routine meeting turned into a violent ambush when the suspects attempted to rob Cohen at gunpoint. Investigators recovered ballistics evidence at the scene and secured electronic records connecting both Hriciso and Davis to the location during the timeframe of the crime. Authorities have not disclosed who fired the fatal shot, noting that both suspects face identical charges under state law for participating in a felony that resulted in a death. Police officials stated that the motive was armed robbery, though specific details regarding what items the suspects intended to steal remain under active investigation. Investigators continue to review digital communications and surveillance footage gathered from security cameras situated near the park entrances to establish a complete timeline of events.
Patrick Woodard Memorial Park serves as a neighborhood gathering point featuring sports courts, playgrounds, and shaded walking trails situated in southern Brevard County. Community leaders noted that while the surrounding residential areas generally maintain low rates of violent crime, recent regional incidents involving young adults and firearms have heightened security concerns among residents. Local law enforcement records show that police increased routine patrols around city parks in response to community feedback following earlier isolated acts of violence in public spaces. City officials emphasized that security infrastructure, including improved lighting and monitoring, remains a priority for municipal facilities. Neighbors residing near the park expressed shock following the incident, describing the area as typically quiet and family-friendly. Local leaders noted that multi-agency efforts between municipal police and county juvenile justice agencies continue to focus on outreach programs aimed at preventing youth involvement in violent offenses across the Space Coast region.
Both suspects were formally booked following their arrests on Thursday. Hriciso was transported to the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, where he is being held without bond pending his initial court appearance before a circuit judge. Davis was turned over to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, though prosecutors indicated they plan to review the case to determine whether the 17-year-old will be direct-filed and prosecuted as an adult due to the severity of the charges. Under Florida law, conviction on a charge of first-degree murder carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Formal grand jury proceedings are expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks to consider indictments for both defendants. Defense counsel for Hriciso and Davis have not yet issued public statements regarding the allegations, and initial arraignment dates in Brevard County Circuit Court are anticipated to be finalized by early next week.
In the days following the shooting, community members established a makeshift memorial near the entrance of Patrick Woodard Memorial Park, placing flowers, candles, and handwritten notes honoring Cohen. Friends and acquaintances described Cohen as a well-liked community member known for his friendly demeanor and close ties to his family. “Isaac was someone who always brought warmth to the people around him, and his loss leaves a tremendous hole in our hearts,” family friend Marcus Taylor said outside the park on Thursday. Local residents visiting the park expressed relief that law enforcement officers made swift arrests in the case, while reiterating calls for sustained safety measures in public spaces. “Seeing the quick action from law enforcement brings some peace to the neighborhood, but our thoughts remain entirely with the family during this painful time,” resident Sarah Jenkins said. Authorities encouraged anyone with additional information or video footage from the area to contact the Palm Bay Police Department.
The homicide investigation remains open as detectives finalize forensic reports and gather additional evidence for court proceedings. Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a Brevard County grand jury later this month, while community members continue to gather at the park to hold candlelight vigils in Cohen’s memory.
Author note: Last updated September 4, 2026.