On September 10, 2024, Craig S. Dewberry Jr., a 27-year-old resident of Palm Bay, Florida, was fatally shot at the Tip Top Mini Mart located on Monroe Street in Melbourne. The incident occurred around 12:12 p.m., with gunshots reported east of Stone Magnet Middle School’s campus, prompting the school to be placed under lockdown immediately.
Dewberry, who was not associated with the store or the nearby school, was inside the store when he was approached by at least three men.
Witnesses reported that the incident was the result of a robbery of Dewberry’s personal belongings, specifically his jewelry. Despite Dewberry giving up his jewelry, the suspects shot and killed him anyway. The suspects then fled the scene on foot and in vehicles, leading police to conduct a search of the area with the assistance of K9 units. Discarded jewelry was found by police in the vicinity where the suspects were believed to have fled.
The first officers arrived at the scene within two minutes and found Dewberry deceased inside the store. The area around the store was searched extensively, leading to road closures along University Boulevard from Lipscomb Street to Main Street, which lasted over two hours. Monroe Street remained closed while detectives continued their investigation.
Craig Dewberry Jr. was a well-known social media influencer and vlogger in the community, described by many as a charismatic and kind individual. He was a father to an 8-year-old daughter and was actively involved in her life, often attending her track meets and other events. His death has been met with widespread grief and shock from the community, with many expressing their disbelief and sadness on social media.
An arrest was made in connection with the murder. Malachi Bell, a 21-year-old man from Homestead, was taken into custody on the night of September 10, 2024. Bell, who was already out on a $30,000 bond from July 2023 for charges related to possessing a machine gun, was apprehended by Indian River County deputies at a Greyhound bus station in Sebastian as he attempted to flee to South Florida. He is charged with first-degree felony murder and robbery with a firearm.
Dewberry's family, including his mother Connie Staley and father Craig Dewberry Sr., have expressed their deep sorrow and are demanding justice for his death. The family believes that more individuals may have been involved in the crime and are advocating for further arrests and accountability. A memorial has been set up outside the Tip Top Mini Mart, with friends and family leaving flowers, candles, and other tributes to honor Dewberry's memory.
