Cocoa Shooting Leaves 15-Year-Old Ka’Ryah Duncan Dead, Two Arrested
COCOA, Florida — The community in Brevard County is grappling with a devastating incident after the October 6 drive-by shooting outside Anchors Seafood & Chicken on Clearlake Road claimed the life of 15-year-old Ka’Ryah Duncan and critically injured two others. Authorities have now announced a second arrest in connection with the ambush-style attack: 20-year-old Xazavier Butler and 21-year-old Jonterich L. Smith face charges related to the crime. (Space Coast Daily)
On the afternoon in question, Ka’Ryah and two 18-year-old male friends were seated in a vehicle in the restaurant parking lot when a dark-colored SUV blocked their exit. Witnesses and security footage show Smith and Butler exited the SUV armed with assault rifles, while a third, unidentified assailant reportedly wielded a handgun. The trio opened fire, unleashing dozens of rounds at the teenage victims. Ka’Ryah’s life was lost in the attack; the two male passengers sustained serious gunshot wounds. (Space Coast Daily)
Smith was arrested on October 11 during a traffic stop in Volusia County and remains jailed without bond in Brevard County. Butler was indicted by a Grand Jury and remains at large, while the hunt for any additional suspects continues. (FOX 35 Orlando)
Charging documents released by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and state attorneys allege Smith and Butler each face counts of first-degree murder with a firearm for Ka’Ryah’s death, and two counts of attempted first-degree murder with great bodily harm for the attack on the two friends. Smith is additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Butler faces possession by a delinquent juvenile. (Space Coast Daily)
Investigators believe the attack was targeted and deliberate. According to statements from law enforcement, Smith spotted the vehicle carrying Ka’Ryah and her friends, left briefly in the SUV, then returned to stage the ambush. The motive remains unclear; authorities say the victims and suspects were known to each other. (FOX 35 Orlando)
In the wake of the shooting, friends, family and community members gathered on Clearlake Road to mourn Ka’Ryah and show support for the injured teens. A vigil held on October 7 drew dozens who spoke of Ka’Ryah’s lively personality, love of dancing, and vibrant spirit. “She was always laughing, always being Ka’Ryah,” her mother, Ashley Pratt, said. (FOX 35 Orlando)
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about Butler’s whereabouts or additional participants to contact Crimeline or their Homicide Unit. The call for public help underscores the urgency of bringing all involved to justice. (FOX 35 Orlando)
As the legal process moves forward, community members are left grappling with sorrow and the need for answers. The violent nature of the attack—from the ambush setting to the use of automatic weapons—has shaken residents and renewed focus on public safety around local establishments.
Ka’Ryah’s death has sparked not only grief but also a push for meaningful change. Educational leaders, local officials and community groups are discussing ways to support at-risk youth, improve surveillance and safety in public spaces, and break cycles of violence that affect young lives.
Two young men now face the full weight of the law; a third person remains at large; and on Clearlake Road, the memory of a 15-year-old life ended too soon resonates with all who knew her. The full motive may take time to uncover, but the community has made clear their desire for accountability and healing.
Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Ka’Ryah Duncan. May the pursuit of justice and the support of the Brevard community bring some measure of peace in this painful time.
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#KaRyahDuncan #CocoaFlorida #BrevardCounty #XazavierButler #JonterichSmith #YouthViolence #InMemory #JusticeForKaRyah
