Court Date Set for Plea and Sentencing in 2022 Shooting Death of Deputy Austin Walsh
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County criminal case involving the 2022 shooting death of off-duty Sheriff’s Office deputy Austin Walsh is scheduled to reach a legal resolution in court Thursday morning, with both a plea hearing and sentencing set to take place before a circuit judge.
Hearing Details
The combined plea and sentencing proceeding is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Circuit Judge Michelle Naberhaus at the Moore Justice Center, located at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera, Florida.
Background: What Happened in 2022
The defendant, Andrew Jacob Lawson, was arrested in December 2022 after investigators alleged he shot Walsh during an off-duty incident at their shared Palm Bay residence. According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) paperwork filed in the case, the two men had been spending time together and playing video games when Lawson handled a handgun he believed was unloaded.
Investigators alleged that Lawson pointed the firearm at Walsh and pulled the trigger. When the gun did not fire, Lawson manipulated the slide. He then allegedly pointed the weapon again and fired a second time, with a single round striking Walsh in the head. Walsh was pronounced dead at the scene. Lawson called 911 to report the shooting.
The incident drew significant public attention at the time, including a statement from Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who described the death as avoidable and emphasized the importance of firearm safety.
The Charge
Lawson is charged with manslaughter with a weapon or firearm, reclassified as a first-degree felony in this case.
What to Expect at Thursday’s Hearing
Thursday’s proceeding is expected to combine two major court steps: a plea hearing, during which the court will review any negotiated agreement and confirm that the defendant understands the terms; and a sentencing phase, where the judge may impose a prison term, probation, or other conditions based on the terms presented. Courtrooms are generally open to the public, and those planning to attend are advised to allow extra time for security screening.
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Andrew Jacob Lawson are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.