Relationship dispute led to fatal shooting in Merritt Island Walmart, deputies say

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – A man was shot and killed Sunday night inside a Walmart on Merritt Island after he confronted an employee at the store about a relationship with a third party, deputies said.

The fatal shooting was reported around 8:30 p.m. at the Walmart on East Merritt Island Causeway.

Investigators with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office said Shawn Robbins, 27, of Cocoa, went to the store to confront the shooter, Rashad Gibson, 27, about his relationship "concerning an unidentified third party."

Gibson, who works at the store, remained on scene and has been cooperating with the investigation.

Customers said the shooting happened in the grocery section. 

"There was one person that was shot. Unfortunately, he is deceased," Brevard County sheriff's spokesman Todd Goodyear said. "As far as I know, there was only one shot fired and we have (detained) the person that fired that shot. There is no danger to the community."

The decision whether charges will be filed against Gibson will be determined by the State Attorney's Office, Goodyear said.

Customers who were inside the store when the shots were fired were gathered outside by deputies to speak to investigators. It's not known how many customers were in the store or witnessed the shooting.

The store was closed after the shooting before reopening around 6:30 a.m. Monday.

The fatal shooting was Brevard’s 14th reported homicide of 2019.

Anyone with information about the shooting incident is asked to call Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Agent Wendy Wheeler of the at 321-633- 700 or to remain anonymous tipsters can call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).