VERO LAKE ESTATES, FL – In a Vero Lake Estates neighborhood of Indian River County, where two 19-year-old men were fatally shot. The victims, identified as Joseph Cardella from Melbourne and Logan Thompson from Palm Bay, had reportedly traveled from Brevard County to sell THC vape pens worth approximately $3,000.
The incident took place on Monday afternoon, with cash scattered near the bodies of Cardella and Thompson. This led investigators to deduce that the motive behind the shooting was drug-related. The victims were unarmed at the time of the incident, with no weapons found within their vehicle or on their persons.
A 17-year-old male from Fellsmere has been apprehended in connection with the murders, according to Sheriff Eric Flowers. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld due to his minor status, is now facing murder charges. However, he has not yet been charged as an adult.
Sheriff Flowers detailed the sequence of events, stating that the suspect arrived armed and began firing at some point. A witness, who was later dropped off at his home, informed his parents about the incident. The parents then took the witness to the station, where he led the detectives to the firearm used in the shooting.
Despite the suspect’s claims of self-defense, Sheriff Flowers pointed out inconsistencies in his narrative. He expressed his disbelief over the senseless loss of life, stating, “These two guys are dead over vape pens. It’s crazy.”