Cocoa Shooting Suspect Arrested, Investigators Link Him to Two South Florida Homicides the Same Day

Cocoa Shooting Suspect Arrested; Investigators Examine Potential Liability for Apartment Complex Shooting

A South Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a violent multi-county shooting spree left two people dead and another injured in a single day. The suspect’s arrest in Cocoa has also raised questions about potential civil liability for property owners when violent incidents occur at apartment complexes and other residential properties.

According to Cocoa police, Dennard Barnes was arrested Friday night following a shooting at an apartment complex off Clearlake Road.

Investigators say Barnes allegedly shot a man in the stomach at the complex, leaving the victim seriously injured but alive. After the shooting, police attempted to stop Barnes as he fled in a white van. Authorities say he returned to the scene and drove toward officers, forcing them to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

A K-9 unit was deployed, and Barnes was taken into custody. He now faces 16 felony charges and three misdemeanor charges, including attempted murder, and is being held without bond.

Suspect Linked to Two Earlier Fatal Shootings

Authorities in South Florida are also investigating Barnes’ possible connection to two earlier fatal shootings that occurred the same day:

• A deadly shooting in Miami Gardens
• A second fatal shooting in North Miami

Police believe the suspect may have known the victims, though a motive has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains active across multiple jurisdictions.

Potential Liability for Apartment Complex Owners After Violent Crimes

When shootings or other violent crimes occur at apartment complexes, injured victims and their families often have questions about whether the property owner or management company could share legal responsibility.

While the criminal case focuses on prosecuting the suspect, civil liability may arise if the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep residents and visitors safe.

Negligent Security Claims in Florida

Under Florida law, apartment complexes and other commercial property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. This includes taking appropriate security measures when there is a foreseeable risk of crime.

A negligent security claim may arise if:

• The property had a history of violent crime or similar incidents
• Management failed to provide adequate lighting, gates, cameras, or security patrols
• Broken locks, gates, or access points allowed unauthorized entry
• There was insufficient response to known safety concerns from residents

If it can be shown that proper security measures could have prevented or reduced the likelihood of the shooting, the property owner or management company may face liability for resulting injuries or deaths.

Foreseeability Is a Key Factor

In Florida negligent security cases, foreseeability plays a central role. Courts often examine whether prior criminal activity occurred on or near the property and whether management took reasonable steps to address known risks.

For example, if an apartment complex had previous incidents involving weapons, assaults, or unauthorized access but failed to implement security improvements, liability may be more likely.

Compensation for Victims and Families

Victims of apartment complex shootings — or families who lost loved ones — may be entitled to pursue compensation through civil claims separate from any criminal prosecution. Potential damages can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

These claims can be brought even while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

Investigation Continues

The shooting investigations across Brevard County and South Florida remain ongoing as authorities work to determine the full timeline and motive behind the incidents.

As more details emerge, questions surrounding property safety, security measures, and potential civil liability may become central to the case — particularly for victims injured at residential or commercial properties where adequate security may have prevented harm.