Brevard County Deputy Faces Sentencing in Roommate Shooting Tragedy

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A former Brevard County deputy is set to receive his sentence this Friday after admitting guilt in the 2022 shooting death of his roommate and fellow deputy.

Andrew Lawson faced manslaughter charges in January 2023, following the tragic incident that claimed the life of 23-year-old Deputy Austin Walsh. The arrest affidavit revealed that Lawson, while off-duty, had “jokingly” pulled the trigger twice before the firearm discharged, fatally striking Walsh.

Lawson entered a guilty plea to the manslaughter charge earlier this month. However, his sentencing was postponed as testimony extended beyond the court’s hours that day.

Expressing remorse, Lawson testified, “It breaks my soul to know that I took Austin’s future away from him, and because of what I did, not only will I never be able to talk to Austin again, but you guys won’t be able to, either.”

Judge Michelle Naberhaus will determine Lawson’s fate, with the possibility of a sentence extending up to seven years in prison or probation. Had the case gone to trial, Lawson could have faced a maximum of 30 years in the Department of Corrections.

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The Palm Bay Police Department received a 911 call from Lawson, who said he “accidentally shot his roommate and needed help,” according to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

The roommates had taken a break from playing “Call of Duty,” a first-person shooter video game, after being kicked off due to inactivity and were standing around talking when Lawson took out a Glock 34 9mm semi-automatic pistol, an affidavit shows.

According to the affidavit, Lawson believed the gun was unloaded and “jokingly” pointed it at Walsh, pulling the trigger. The gun did not go off, so Lawson manipulated the slide back before pulling the trigger for a second time, the sheriff’s office said.

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This time, a single shot was fired and struck Walsh in the head, killing him, according to deputies.

Lawson’s family said a trained law enforcement officer fooling around with a gun is no accident.

“You don’t point a firearm at another person without the intent to kill that person,” brother Alec Walsh said.

Lawson immediately called 911 and was “distraught” and “devastated” when first responders arrived, Ivey said. Lawson cooperated fully with the investigation, which was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Palm Bay Police Department.

Ivey said Lawson and Walsh were best friends and roommates.

The sheriff said after the shooting that Walsh had been with the agency since he was 18.

“Austin was such a great kid, and our hearts are broken over his loss. He will be deeply missed by our agency, our community and our prayers are with his family,” Ivey said at the time.

His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m.