Two teenagers face murder and armed robbery charges after investigators examined evidence from the victim’s vehicle and digital forensic data.
PALM BAY, Fla. — A fatal shooting at a Palm Bay park was connected to an apparent drug transaction, police said, as authorities announced the arrests of two teenagers on first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm charges.
Christopher Hriciso, 18, and Caleb Davis, 17, were identified by Palm Bay police as the defendants in the Aug. 26 death of Isaac Cohen, 22, at Patrick Woodard Memorial Park. Police said Davis will be charged as an adult. Authorities have not released a complete account of the alleged transaction or detailed what role they believe each teenager played.
Police said evidence recovered from Cohen’s vehicle, along with digital forensic information, pointed investigators toward an apparent drug transaction. Authorities have not publicly specified what substance may have been involved, the amount or value of anything exchanged, or precisely how the encounter developed into the fatal shooting.
The armed robbery charge adds another element to the allegations against the teenagers, but investigators have not publicly provided a full narrative describing what property was allegedly taken or how the robbery and shooting unfolded. The accusations remain pending, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Officers responded to Patrick Woodard Memorial Park at about 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 after a shooting was reported. Cohen was identified as the victim the following day. During the early stage of the investigation, police said no arrest had been made and released few details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Detectives then carried out multiple search warrants and reviewed forensic information and surveillance footage, police said. Investigators also conducted several interviews during the week after the shooting. Police said the combined evidence led them to Hriciso and Davis before the arrests were announced Sept. 3.
The shooting occurred at a public neighborhood park that includes recreational space used by nearby residents. A resident interviewed shortly after the killing described seeing police surrounding the park as officers worked the scene. Authorities initially asked residents to avoid the area but said they did not believe there was an ongoing danger to the public.
Palm Bay Police Chief Jeff Spears said the department’s investigators worked continuously to identify those they believe were responsible. Spears also expressed condolences to Cohen’s family as the investigation moved from an open homicide inquiry to a criminal case involving two defendants.
Several details remain undisclosed, including whether investigators believe other people were present during the encounter and whether additional evidence or charges could emerge. The reviewed reports also did not provide information about attorneys for Hriciso or Davis or any statements from the defendants addressing the allegations.
Palm Bay police said the investigation remains ongoing and continue to seek information that could help investigators establish the full sequence of events surrounding Cohen’s death.
Author note: Last updated September 4, 2026.