Camilla Jessen
Police: Argument over family visits ends in gunfire.
An 84-year-old man in Florida has been charged with attempted murder after police say he shot his son in the face during an argument about how often the family visited.
The incident took place on 9 December in Palm Bay, around 75 miles from Orlando.
Family visit turns violent
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by Florida Today and ClickOrlando, officers were called to the home on Hawksbill Street shortly after 7:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting.
Detective Nicole Brown wrote that William 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.
His son and daughter-in-law visited the home regularly, but on this occasion Nowak reportedly became upset that they had not come over the previous weekend.
“Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you”
The affidavit states that an argument began, during which Nowak allegedly threatened his son, telling him: “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you.”
Police say he then went to his bedroom, retrieved a handgun and walked past his daughter-in-law into the kitchen, where he fired a single shot at his son’s face. He then returned to the bedroom before emerging again without the weapon.
According to the victim’s wife, Nowak appeared confused and distressed afterward, asking, “What just happened?” before crying and screaming.
Victim seriously injured
The victim was taken to hospital and sedated due to the severity of his injuries, ClickOrlando reports. The bullet fragmented on impact, leaving pieces lodged in his face and jaw.
Nowak was also taken to hospital to be treated for high blood pressure following the incident.
He has since been charged with attempted murder and booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex.
During a first appearance hearing on 11 December, a judge appointed Nowak a public defender and ordered he be held without bond.
Sources: Florida Today; ClickOrlando.
