Florida Man, 84, Charged With Attempted Murder After Shooting Son During Hospice Care Argument

PALM BAY, FLORIDA — An 84-year-old Palm Bay man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he shot his own son in the face during a heated argument related to family tensions surrounding in-home hospice care. The incident unfolded Tuesday evening inside the family’s residence on Hawksbill Street Northwest, according to arrest documents reviewed by investigators.

Authorities identified the suspect as William Nowak, who lived at the home with his wife — recently placed in hospice care — and their disabled daughter. Police say the shooting occurred shortly after Nowak became upset that his son and daughter-in-law had not visited his wife over the weekend.

Argument Escalates Inside Palm Bay Home

According to the arrest affidavit, Nowak’s son and his wife arrived at the home around 6 p.m., describing their visits as typically occurring on a weekly basis. Shortly after their arrival, Nowak allegedly confronted them, expressing anger that they had failed to visit during the previous weekend while his wife was receiving hospice care.

The disagreement reportedly intensified, with police saying the father and son became involved in a verbal argument. At one point, Nowak allegedly issued a chilling warning.

“Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you,” Nowak told his son, according to police.

Investigators say that immediately after making the threat, Nowak walked into his bedroom and retrieved a firearm.

Gun Retrieved, Pleas Ignored

Court records state that the son’s wife followed Nowak into the bedroom, urging him to put the gun down. Police say Nowak ignored her pleas and walked back toward the kitchen, where his son remained.

Moments later, officers allege Nowak raised the gun, pointed it directly at his son, and fired a single shot, striking him in the face.

The son’s wife immediately called 911, reporting that her father-in-law had just shot her husband in the head.

Police Discover Blood, Shell Casing, and Weapon

Palm Bay police officers arrived at the scene to find the victim barely able to speak and the suspect still inside the home. Officers detained Nowak without further incident and conducted a safety sweep of the residence.

Inside the kitchen, police reported finding a wet, reddish-brown substance believed to be blood along with a single spent shell casing. A firearm was later located on the bed inside Nowak’s bedroom. Investigators also noted what appeared to be blood on the driveway outside the home, indicating the severity of the victim’s injuries.

Victim Suffers Severe Facial Gunshot Wounds

First responders transported the injured son to a nearby hospital, where medical staff determined the bullet did not exit his face. Instead, the round reportedly fragmented into multiple pieces, which remained lodged in his face and jaw as of late Tuesday night.

Due to the extent of his injuries, doctors sedated the victim, and he was unable to provide a statement to police. Authorities have not released further updates on his condition.

Suspect Hospitalized, Then Jailed

Following the shooting, Nowak was taken to a separate hospital after experiencing high blood pressure. According to the arrest affidavit, he appeared incoherent and was unable to answer basic questions while being evaluated.

Once medically cleared early Wednesday morning, Nowak was transferred to the Brevard County Jail, where he was formally booked on a charge of attempted murder.

Police noted that after the shooting, Nowak allegedly returned to his bedroom without the firearm and appeared confused, crying and repeatedly asking “what just happened.”

Court Proceedings Moving Forward

Nowak made his first court appearance on Thursday, where the charge was formally read. Court records show that his arraignment is scheduled for January 8, at which time he is expected to enter a plea.

Investigators have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the case proceeds.

A Tragic Intersection of Family Stress and Violence

The case highlights the immense emotional strain families often face during end-of-life care, particularly when caregiving responsibilities fall heavily on one individual. Authorities have not suggested that hospice providers were involved in the dispute, emphasizing that the incident stemmed from a domestic argument that escalated into gun violence.

Police have not released information regarding whether Nowak legally owned the firearm or if mental health evaluations will be requested as part of the court process.

As the victim continues receiving medical care and the legal process unfolds, the Palm Bay community is left grappling with a deeply unsettling case involving family conflict, aging caregivers, and extreme violence.

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