An 84‑year‑old Palm Bay resident, William Nowak, was taken into custody on Tuesday night after police said he shot his son in the face during a family argument about visits to an ailing mother.
Incident timeline
Officials say the confrontation unfolded at Nowak’s home on Hawksbill Street shortly after 7:30 p.m. on December 9. The son’s wife called 911 to report the shooting, prompting officers to arrive at the residence.
When deputies entered, they found the victim seriously wounded with a fragmented bullet lodged in his face and jaw. A cartridge case was recovered in the kitchen and the firearm was located in Nowak’s bedroom, alongside blood spatter in the entryway.
Family background
Nowak lived with his 85‑year‑old wife, who was receiving palliative care at home, and a 62‑year‑old daughter who has a disability. He was the primary caregiver for both relatives. The son and his wife typically visited weekly, but the dispute arose because Nowak felt the visits were insufficient, especially over the preceding weekend.
According to a sworn affidavit, Nowak warned his son, “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot,” then retrieved a gun from his bedroom and fired despite the daughter‑in‑law’s pleas to stop. After the shot, he returned the weapon to the bedroom and appeared confused and emotionally disturbed, according to law‑enforcement statements.
Legal and medical aftermath
Nowak was taken to a hospital for a hypertensive crisis, released the following day and transferred to Brevard County Jail, where he remains held without bail. The injured son was hospitalized and sedated for his facial injuries; further medical updates have not been released.
On December 11, a judge assigned a public defender to Nowak and confirmed his detention without bail.
Potential next steps
Prosecutors could file formal charges of attempted murder, which may lead to a trial where the defense might argue diminished capacity due to the suspect’s age and medical condition. If convicted, Nowark could face a lengthy prison term, though sentencing would depend on statutory guidelines for attempted homicide in Florida.
The victim’s recovery will likely involve extensive facial reconstructive procedures; his long‑term prognosis will depend on surgical outcomes and possible complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested for the shooting?
William Nowak, an 84‑year‑old resident of Palm Bay, Florida, was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Where did the shooting take place?
The incident occurred at Nowak’s home on Hawksbill Street in Palm Bay, Brevard County.
What is the current status of the suspect and the victim?
Nowak is being held in Brevard County Jail without bail after a hospital release for hypertension. The victim remains hospitalized and sedated due to severe facial injuries.
How do you think this tragedy might influence discussions about elder caregiver support in the community?
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