COCOA, Fla. – A 21-year-old man was shot and killed Monday night in Cocoa in what police said appears to be a justified homicide.
The fatal shooting happened at the Oak Meadows apartments off Clearlake Road between I-95 and U.S. 1.
Cocoa police said Jyuri Smith was shot in the parking lot of the apartments, and a witness took him to Cape Canaveral Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
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According to police, detectives were called to the hospital and began an investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been justifiable under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law and appears to have been an act of self-defense, police said.
According to witnesses, Smith was armed with a rifle when he approached a 22-year-old man with whom he had an ongoing dispute.
The man shot Smith and is cooperating with investigators, according to police.
The gun used in the incident has been recovered, police said.
“This remains an active investigation, with detectives continuing to review evidence and consult with the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted,” police said in a statement.