A Brevard County grand jury has indicted 37-year-old Palm Bay resident Clifford Long on one count of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The charges stem from a fatal shooting that occurred on August 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida, which claimed the life of Bles’syn Lightner.
Investigation Details
Melbourne Police detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division identified Long as the suspect following months of investigative work. On March 31, 2026, investigators presented their findings to the grand jury, which returned the indictment.
Sergeant Slover of the Melbourne Police Department described the investigation as thorough and relentless. “The Melbourne Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families,” Slover said. “Although an arrest has been made, there may still be additional witnesses with information about this case.”
The August 2025 Shooting
The fatal incident occurred on August 29, 2025, when Melbourne Police responded to reports of a shooting. Bles’syn Lightner was found with fatal injuries at the scene. Two additional victims survived the attack, leading to the two counts of attempted first-degree murder included in the indictment.
Anyone With Information
The Criminal Investigations Division continues to pursue active leads in the case. Anyone with knowledge regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6450 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Clifford Long are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.