Teen shoots girlfriend in suicide attempt, then kills himself: Palm Bay police chief

PALM BAY, FLORIDA – A 17-year-old boy is dead after he shot his 16-year-old girlfriend, wounded her and then shot himself, Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello told reporters Tuesday morning. According to him, the girl remains in the hospital, her condition is stable.

“This is a senseless tragedy,” he said. “It’s a pity. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved and all the people affected by this.”

The shooting was reported shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, in the parking lot of an auto dealership on Malibar Road in Palm Bay. On Tuesday, Chief Augello described it as an attempted murder-suicide.

Police Chief Augello said the two teenagers, who were in a relationship, had arranged to meet, although the circumstances of why the teenagers chose that particular time and place are still unknown.

A guy shot a teenager and then shot himself. Another 16-year-old girl who was there called 911. Police were still speaking with her as part of the investigation.

He declined to name any of the teenagers involved. He confirmed the teenagers attended local high schools in Palm Bay and said school staff and teachers were immediately notified and support services were provided.

Chief Augello said both teenagers had previous contact with law enforcement, but declined to elaborate.

“Now in society, in today’s world, it’s hard to be a teenager,” he said. Nothing is ever perfect. We are not perfect. But as parents, we have to do better. I firmly believe that as parents we should be more involved in our children’s lives. We see it all too often, at least we’re in law enforcement … they’re getting younger and younger and they’re losing their lives.”