Teenager shot girl, attempted suicide, then committed suicide: Palm Bay police chief

PALM BAY, FL. – Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano: 17-year-old boy dead after shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend, wounding her, then shot himself. Augello told reporters Tuesday morning. He added that the girl remains in the hospital and her condition is stable.

“This is a senseless tragedy,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved and all those affected by this situation.”

The shooting was reported shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 27, in the parking lot of an auto shop on Malibar Road in Palm Bay. On Tuesday, Chief Augello described it as an attempted murder-suicide.

Police Chief Augello said the two teenagers, who were in a relationship, agreed to meet, although the circumstances under which the teenagers chose that time and place are still unknown.

The boy shot the teenager and then shot himself. Another 16-year-old girl who was there called 911. Police continued to speak with her as part of their investigation.

He declined to name any of the teenagers involved in the incident. He confirmed that the teenagers attended local high schools in Palm Bay and said school staff and teachers were immediately notified and provided with assistance.

Chief Augello said both teenagers had prior contact with law enforcement, but declined to provide details.

“Right now, in today’s world, life is difficult for a teenager,” he said. Nothing is ever perfect. We are not perfect. But as parents we must do better. I strongly believe that as parents we need to be more involved in our children’s lives. We see this far too often, at least we work in law enforcement… they are getting younger and younger and losing their lives.”