News Release - Detectives Solve Year Old Homicide

Patel Suspects Captured Palm Bay Police detectives have obtained arrest warrants for three suspects believed to be responsible for the robbery and murder of a local convenience store clerk that occurred in June of 2006. Detectives have arrested Anthony Horsely, (dob 05-05-1989) who was already in jail on unrelated charges. A sixteen-year-old black male juvenile was also arrested Thursday morning, but detectives are withholding his identity for investigative purposes. The third suspect, identified as Hassan Scott, (dob 01-03-1987) is also in custody. All are charged with armed robbery and first-degree felony murder.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on June 11, 2006, three masked gunmen entered the Beverage Store located at 2200 Port Malabar Boulevard. They robbed store owner Ken Patel, shot him and fled scene in a vehicle. At the time witnesses provided vague descriptions of the vehicle. Detectives immediately began the investigation and crime scene investigators secured the area and thoroughly processed the scene for any evidence that could be obtained. As a result, a bullet casing from a handgun was recovered.

Two weeks later Melbourne Police Department caught a subject with a handgun that MPD Det. Tim Plymale recognized as possibly involved in the robbery-murder. It was later determined the handgun matched the bullet casing found at the store. The gun was then traced to its owner who was in jail at the time of the homicide. Detective Jesse Suelter continued to investigate and attempt to gain information from the gun owner as to who had the weapon on the day of the murder. Further investigation yielded several potential suspects including those listed above. “None of us was prepared to rest until we had those responsible for this crime in custody,” said Detective Jesse Suelter. “In this case persistence paid off.”

Detective Ernie Diebel continued the investigation and with assistance from Detective Mark Mynheir, followed up new leads. Cocoa Police detectives provided information that led to Anthony Horsley who was involved in unrelated crimes in that jurisdiction. Through continued investigation and interviewing of witnesses and suspects, detectives obtained admissions from all three suspects about their involvement in the murder of Ken Patel. “This case was the result of a lot of people doing a lot of things right,” said Detective Ernie Diebel.

“We will never put a homicide case to rest until we catch the perpetrator,” said Sgt. Ken Arnold. “It may take weeks, months or even years, but we will use everything within the boundaries of the law to get them.”

“It’s unfortunate that this crime happened in the first place,” said Chief Bill Berger. “Our hearts continue to go out to Mr. Patel’s family. None of this will bring him back, but at least justice will be served. I commend all of the detectives for their persistence and tenacity.”

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