Roger Lee Smith, a 50-year-old employee at Schlenker Automotive in Rockledge, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 24, 2017. The incident occurred the day after Thanksgiving, when Robert Lorenzo Bailey Jr., a 28-year-old man from Cocoa, opened fire in the parking lot of the auto repair business. Smith, who had stepped outside after hearing a gunshot that paralyzed a 25-year-old co-worker, was fatally shot by Bailey. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, as no connection between Bailey and the business or its employees has been identified. The tragic event has left the community in Central Brevard County in shock, with many questioning why such a senseless act of violence occurred.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Bailey arrived at Schlenker Automotive armed with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol and multiple magazines of ammunition. After shooting Smith and the other employee, Bailey was confronted by two other Schlenker employees who had concealed carry permits. These employees bravely returned fire, striking Bailey twice and preventing further casualties. Bailey was subsequently hospitalized in critical condition at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. The quick actions of the armed employees were credited with preventing additional deaths or injuries during the incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Bailey was indicted by a Brevard County Grand Jury on charges of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The legal proceedings against Bailey are ongoing, with no trial date set at the time of the reports. The community has rallied around the victims and their families, offering support and prayers during this difficult time. The owner of Schlenker Automotive, Lou Schlenker, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community and emphasized the resilience and dedication of the business's employees.
The tragic death of Roger Lee Smith has left a lasting impact on the Rockledge community. As the investigation continues, questions about the motive behind the shooting remain unanswered. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of community support in the face of such tragedies.
