Anthony Lamar Berry, a 31-year-old resident of Mims, Florida, tragically lost his life on January 9, 2022, in Titusville. The incident occurred during a large altercation involving approximately 30 individuals. According to reports, Titusville police responded to a call about a shooting at an apartment complex located at 500 Rock Pit Road. Upon arrival, they discovered Berry with apparent gunshot wounds, lying slightly east of the apartment.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed that Berry had been involved in a physical altercation with Shikeem Jammall Mallett, a 30-year-old man from Titusville. Witnesses reported seeing Berry and Mallett in the middle of the road, engaged in a confrontation. After the altercation, the two men separated, with Berry moving to the east side of the road and Mallett to the west. Witnesses then heard gunshots coming from the west side, where Mallett was seen standing in the doorway of an apartment, firing into a group of people. Berry fell to the ground after being struck by the gunfire. Mallett continued to shoot, targeting two other individuals before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, Titusville police issued an arrest warrant for Mallett on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mallett was apprehended on January 31, 2022, after a vehicle pursuit involving deputies from Alachua and Putnam counties. He was subsequently transported to the Brevard County Jail, where he was held without bond.
In addition to Mallett, another individual, Michael Jones of Mims, was arrested in connection with the case. Jones faced charges of second-degree murder and accessory after the fact. However, the second-degree murder charge against Jones was later dropped, and he remained in custody on the accessory charge.
The case against Mallett proceeded, with prosecutors pursuing the charges related to Berry's death. The tragic event highlighted the dangers of gun violence and the impact it has on communities. Berry's death was a significant loss for his family and friends, and the legal proceedings aimed to bring justice for the senseless act of violence that claimed his life.
