Palm Bay, Florida — A tragic case in Palm Bay has taken a serious legal turn, as a former sheriff’s deputy is now facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly shooting his roommate—also a fellow deputy—during what he claimed was a “joking” moment while they were gaming at home.
The incident dates back to the night of December 3, 2022, when 26-year-old Andrew Lawson and his roommate, 23-year-old Austin Walsh, were spending time together at their apartment. Both men were off duty and reportedly playing the popular video game Call of Duty. What began as a normal evening quickly turned into a fatal situation.
According to investigators, Lawson picked up a firearm he believed to be unloaded and pointed it at Walsh. After pulling the trigger once without incident, he allegedly repeated the action—this time firing a live round that struck Walsh in the head. The young deputy died instantly at the scene.
Initially, Lawson was charged with manslaughter. In early 2026, he attempted to plead guilty to the charge and was expected to receive a seven-year prison sentence. However, during the sentencing hearing, emotional victim impact statements from Walsh’s family led the court to pause proceedings. After several hours, Lawson ultimately withdrew his plea.
Now, prosecutors have upgraded the case to second-degree murder, a much more serious charge that could result in life imprisonment if he is convicted. The decision reflects the gravity of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the repeated trigger pull.
Lawson’s legal team has argued for mental health rehabilitation rather than a lengthy prison sentence, pointing to his emotional state following the incident. Reports from responding officers described Lawson as deeply distressed and devastated immediately after the shooting.
The case has drawn attention not only because both individuals were law enforcement officers, but also due to the nature of the incident—highlighting the deadly consequences of mishandling firearms, even in a setting perceived as casual or harmless.
Lawson is scheduled to appear in court again on April 30, where further proceedings will determine the next steps in this evolving case.
