Matthew Nicol, 25, of Merritt Island was fatally shot during a violent home invasion at his East Hall Road residence on March 3, 2021. According to investigators, the intruders wore replica law enforcement gear — tactical clothing, helmets, communication devices, rifles and counterfeit Sheriff and DEA patches — and posed as drug agents to gain entry. During the incident both Nicol and his dog were shot and killed.

A Brevard County Grand Jury later returned indictments charging five men — Anthony Davila, 23; Cory Cabaniss, 25; Chase Harrison, 28; Brian Vogel, 29; and David Foreman-Taylor, 23 — with First Degree Felony Murder, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling Inflicting Death, and Cruelty to Animals. The suspects were accused of targeting the home to steal drugs and drug proceeds and are being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail. No trial date has been set.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit or CRIMELINE.