Cocoa, FL — A 13-year-old boy in Cocoa has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Kelby Gavin Miller, 30, after an investigation that unfolded over several days, according to police. Detectives say the young teen is now facing manslaughter and additional firearm-related charges following the deadly encounter that occurred late Sunday night.
Authorities were first alerted to the shooting just before 10:30 p.m. near Bristol Drive, where a frantic call led officers to a chaotic scene in a residential neighborhood.
Victim Found Shot in the Torso
When officers arrived, they discovered Miller suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Emergency responders swiftly arranged for him to be airlifted to a nearby hospital, but despite medical intervention, he later died from his injuries.
Investigators immediately began piecing together what happened — and who was responsible.
Police Trace Communications Between Victim and Teen
According to the arrest report, detectives discovered that Miller had been communicating via cell phone with a possible suspect shortly before the shooting. While the details of the messages were heavily redacted, police confirmed that the digital communications became a central component of the investigation.
Authorities then turned to neighborhood surveillance footage to track movements around the scene.
Surveillance Video Shows Hooded Figure Near Shooting Site
Detectives reviewed video captured along A Street, which reportedly showed a “slim male” wearing a hoodie repeatedly walking near the area where the shooting occurred around the same time officers received the 10:30 p.m. call.
One clip even showed the individual stumbling and falling — a moment that would later become significant.
Detectives Track Lead to 13-Year-Old’s Home
After comparing movements, clothing, and timing, detectives tracked the trail to the home of 13-year-old Emeril Rachel. When officers arrived, Rachel’s mother acknowledged that the figure in the surveillance footage appeared consistent with her son’s build and clothing.
Police were allowed into the home, where a detective examined Rachel’s bedroom. There, authorities discovered a hoodie stained with blood and dirt, markings that reportedly matched the moment in the footage showing the suspect falling.
Investigators also noted the presence of gunpowder residue on Rachel’s hand, though the teen denied ever handling a firearm.
Police: Teen Identified Himself in Surveillance Footage
According to the report, once confronted, Rachel identified himself in the footage that placed him at the scene both before and after the shooting. Detectives said the side-by-side still images further confirmed the match.
The teen’s statements, the physical evidence, and digital records collectively led investigators to move forward with charges.
Charges Filed Against 13-Year-Old
Police say Emeril Rachel, 13, is now facing:
- Manslaughter
- Possession of a firearm during a felony
- Use of a firearm during a felony
Authorities have not yet announced whether he will be charged as a juvenile or adult, and no further details about potential motives or prior interactions have been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Law enforcement officials have not commented on how the teen may have obtained the gun or whether additional individuals may face charges.
This case hits hard — a 13-year-old facing manslaughter charges and a community grieving another violent death. Share your thoughts below: What steps should communities take to prevent youth access to firearms and stop tragedies like this?
