Corrections Deputy Garry Chambliss, a 50-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on February 17, 2017, in Vero Beach, Florida. Chambliss, who had served as a deputy for over 27 years, was off-duty and visiting family in his Gifford neighborhood when he was struck by a stray bullet. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the 4300 and 4400 blocks of 28th Avenue, where groups of people had gathered after a wake at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.
A dispute erupted, leading to gunfire between individuals in the area. Chambliss, affectionately known as "Kool-Aid" for his infectious smile, was standing near the road and shouted for people to get down when he was hit by a bullet fired from approximately 150 to 200 feet away.
Despite the presence of witnesses and an initial arrest, the case remains unsolved. Shortly after the shooting, deputies arrested Makhail Chambliss, a 21-year-old distant relative of Garry Chambliss, for discharging a firearm from a vehicle, a felony under Florida law. However, detectives later determined that the bullets fired by Makhail did not match the caliber of the bullet that killed Garry Chambliss. The investigation has faced significant challenges, with law enforcement relying heavily on forensic evidence and hoping for a witness to come forward.
The Indian River County Sheriff's Office has continued to pursue the case with determination, but progress has been slow. Former Sheriff Deryl Loar expressed the department's commitment to solving the case, emphasizing the personal impact of losing a colleague. Despite the efforts, no new arrests have been made, and the identity of the shooter remains unknown. The community of Gifford, where Chambliss was a beloved figure, has been urged to provide any information that could lead to an arrest.
The lack of resolution has been a source of frustration for Chambliss' family, particularly his daughter Briyunna, who has not received recent updates on the investigation. The case has highlighted the difficulties in solving crimes involving stray bullets and the importance of community cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice. As the years pass, the memory of Garry Chambliss continues to be honored, but the quest for justice remains unfulfilled.
