Nicholas Middendorf, a 28-year-old white male from St. Cloud, Florida, tragically lost his life on May 5, 2016. The incident occurred during a heated argument with his younger brother, Benjamin Middendorf, at their family home. The dispute, which reportedly began over a cheeseburger, escalated quickly, leading to a fatal outcome. According to police reports, Benjamin Middendorf, then 25 years old, shot Nicholas in the chest with a 9mm handgun. The argument had started after Nicholas and their mother returned home from a night out drinking. Benjamin, who did not drink, claimed that his older brother had been bullying him, which led to the confrontation.
The emergency call was made by Benjamin and their mother at around 10:05 p.m., with their mother exclaiming, "My son shot my son!" First responders arrived shortly after and pronounced Nicholas Middendorf dead at the scene. The younger brother was arrested on charges of premeditated murder and was held without bond at the Osceola County Jail. The case drew significant media attention due to the unusual and tragic nature of the argument that led to the shooting.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the brothers had a history of conflicts, often clashing over various issues. However, the specific argument on the night of the incident was reportedly sparked by a disagreement over a cheeseburger. Benjamin Middendorf admitted to the shooting during the 911 call, expressing remorse and claiming it was an accident. Despite his claims, he faced first-degree murder charges due to the premeditated nature of the act.
The legal proceedings that followed saw Benjamin Middendorf being charged with first-degree premeditated murder. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of familial disputes and the devastating impact of impulsive actions. The Middendorf family, already dealing with the loss of one son, faced the additional trauma of legal battles and the potential long-term incarceration of another. The community of St. Cloud was left in shock, grappling with the senselessness of the tragedy that unfolded within a seemingly ordinary family dispute.
