Twonnie Davon Pollard, a 21-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on July 27, 2018, in Melbourne, Florida. Pollard, a former standout football player at Palm Bay High School, was shot multiple times in the parking lot of a Sunoco gas station located at 4000 S. Babcock Street. The incident occurred around 2:21 a.m., and Pollard was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that Pollard and the suspect, Devale Eugene
Rivers Jr., likely knew each other and had been involved in a dispute prior to the shooting. Rivers, a 19-year-old African American male with a history of criminal activity, was arrested on October 12, 2018, and charged with premeditated second-degree murder and shooting from a vehicle. The arrest was made after a thorough investigation by the Melbourne Police Department, which included obtaining an arrest warrant and locating Rivers with the assistance of the Brevard County GAMEOVER task force.
Pollard's death was a significant loss to the community, as he was well-known and respected for his athletic achievements and potential. The case drew considerable attention, and the police urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation. Rivers' arrest marked a crucial step in seeking justice for Pollard and his family, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address violent crimes in the area.
