Man Arrested For Attempted Murder With Hammer

Angelillo

TITUSVILLE, Florida -- Today at 6:40 a.m., Brevard County Sheriff's Agents Ernest Cathy and Mike Traylor with the North Precinct General Crimes Unit were patrolling the north Titusville area.  The agents were attempting to prevent early morning burglaries in the business district.   


While driving west on Garden Street in the City of Titusville, agents observed a man walking away from an abandoned business located at 3160 Garden Street with a hammer in his hand.  Believing that a crime had been committed, the agents pulled into the parking lot to talk to the man.  Upon turning into the parking lot, agents observed a second man lying in a fetal position on the northwest corner of the building covered in blood.  

Agents immediately confronted the man with the hammer. The man was ordered to drop the hammer several times before finally complying.  The hammer was covered in blood and the suspect, identified as John Paul Angelillo, was detained by the detectives until officers with the Titusville Police Department could respond.

Agents Cathy and Traylor rendered aid to victim, David James Gotshall, until rescue units arrived.  Due to Mr. Gotshall’s critical medical condition, he was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida.  The victim had been beaten, kicked, and struck multiple times with a hammer.  The victim suffered multiple facial and skull fractures and the loss of one eye.  He also suffered injuries to his ribs and body and possible broken bones in his arm.

33-year old John Paul Angelillo was arrested by the Titusville Police Department and charged with Attempted Murder.  Officials say that Mr. Angelillo has been previously arrested by Titusville Police for Cultivation of Cannabis in 2009.

Sheriff Jack Parker stated "By being aggressive and proactive, Agents Cathy and Traylor were able to prevent a murder, save a victim's life and put a very dangerous criminal behind bars for what will hopefully be a very, very long time. We are extremely proud of both of them."

The Titusville Police Department is currently attempting to locate and identify anyone else with information regarding this investigation.  They may call Detective Jessica Edens at 321-264-7820.  

Anyone with information that wishes to remain anonymous can call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

Photo Credit:  Titusville Police Department