An 84-year-old Palm Bay, Florida man, identified as William Nowak, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his adult son in the face during a family dispute at his home.
Incident details
The shooting happened on the evening of Tuesday, December 9, at Nowak’s home on the 1600 block of Hawksbill (or Hawkbill) Street NW in Palm Bay, about 75 miles from Orlando. Police were called around 7:30 p.m. after a 911 caller reported that her father-in-law had just shot her husband in the head.
Family background
According to the affidavit, Nowak lived with his 85-year-old wife, who was receiving in‑home hospice care, and their 62-year-old daughter, who has a disability, and he was the primary caregiver for both. His son and daughter‑in‑law routinely visited weekly, but on this occasion he was reportedly upset they had not come over the preceding weekend.
Alleged argument and shooting
During the visit on December 9, an argument began after Nowak complained about the lack of recent visits. The affidavit states that he told his son, “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you,” then went to his bedroom, retrieved a handgun, walked past his daughter‑in‑law, and in the kitchen allegedly shot his son in the face before returning to the bedroom and re‑emerging without the gun.
Aftermath and injuries
Witnesses reported that immediately after the shot, Nowak said something like “What just happened?” and began crying and screaming. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he was sedated; the bullet reportedly fragmented and lodged in his face and jaw, while Nowak was also taken to a hospital for high blood pressure before being transferred to jail.
Charges and custody status
Nowak has been charged with attempted murder and is being held at the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, Florida. At his first court appearance on Thursday, December 11, a judge appointed him a public defender and ordered that he be held without bond.
