Shawn M. McGraw, a 46-year-old man from Cocoa Beach, Florida, was tragically killed on November 12, 2019. McGraw was found with a fatal gunshot wound in his room at the Fawlty Towers Motel. The Cocoa Beach Police Department responded to a 911 call made by a guest who heard the shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered McGraw suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.
The investigation into Shawn McGraw's death revealed that the incident was a result of a planned robbery. Three suspects were initially identified and charged in connection with the murder. Lonnie T. Robinson, 24, James B. Byer, 27, and Kaelea A. Wellington, 24, all residents of Cocoa, were arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder and robbery with a firearm. According to police reports, Wellington had arranged to meet McGraw at the motel under the pretense of repaying a debt. She then facilitated the entry of Robinson and Byer into McGraw's room, where they attempted to rob him at gunpoint. When McGraw refused to comply with their demands, Robinson shot him in the chest with a shotgun.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a fourth suspect, Andrew Sheppard, 35, who was also charged with first-degree felony murder and attempted robbery. The arrests were made possible through the diligent work of the Cocoa Beach Police Department, which utilized cell phone records, security footage, and witness statements to build their case. The suspects were held without bond at the Brevard County Jail, and the case was presented to a grand jury, which returned indictments against all four individuals.
The legal proceedings in the case of Shawn McGraw's murder are ongoing. The suspects have been indicted and are awaiting trial. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to seek additional information that may be pertinent to the case. The tragic death of Shawn McGraw has left a lasting impact on the Cocoa Beach community, and the pursuit of justice for his murder continues.
