Christopher Bonilla, 18, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Lynbrook Park in Palm Bay, Florida, on November 17, 2019, at about 6 p.m. He had moved to Palm Bay from New Jersey in June 2019. Bonilla was at the park near the empty softball fields with another individual when witnesses heard several gunshots; he was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne and pronounced dead.

Palm Bay Police described the shooting as drug-related and linked it specifically to marijuana, but investigators have not determined whether it stemmed from a drug deal or a robbery. The man who was with Bonilla, described as being in his early 20s, cooperated with police and was questioned but not immediately arrested. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains open.

Bonilla’s death was reported as the sixth homicide in Palm Bay for 2019 and drew attention to alleged drug activity in local parks. If anyone has information about the shooting or the people involved, please share tips with the Palm Bay Police Department.