FL Dad Allegedly Shoots Son Over Lack of Visiting
In a shocking and tragic family conflict that unfolded in Palm Bay, Florida, 84-year-old William Nowak was charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his adult son in the face during a heated argument. The dispute centered on how often the son and his wife visited Nowak's ailing 85-year-old wife, who was under hospice care at their home. This disturbing incident, which took place on the evening of December 9, 2025, reveals the extreme breakdown of a family relationship and the serious legal consequences that followed.
A Family Torn Apart in Palm Bay
The confrontation occurred at the Nowak family residence on Hawksbill Street northwest, a quiet neighborhood about 75 miles outside Orlando. William Nowak lived there with his elderly wife, who was receiving in-home hospice care, and their 62-year-old daughter, who has a disability. According to police reports, Nowak was the primary caregiver for both his wife and daughter, shouldering the demanding responsibilities involved in their care.
On the evening in question, Nowak's son and daughter-in-law arrived for a visit. Although they visited weekly, Nowak expressed anger that they had not come over the previous weekend. This grievance quickly escalated into a verbal argument between father and son. At one point, Nowak allegedly warned his son to leave the house or face violence, a chilling prelude to what happened next.
The Shooting Incident
The situation took a dark turn when Nowak went into his bedroom, retrieved a handgun, and returned to the kitchen where his son and daughter-in-law were. Despite the daughter-in-law's pleas for him to put the gun down, Nowak allegedly fired a shot that struck his son in the face. The bullet fragmented upon impact and lodged in the victim's face and jaw, causing severe injuries that required sedation at the hospital.
After the shooting, Nowak appeared confused and distressed, asking what had just happened before breaking down in tears and screams. This reaction paints a picture of a man overwhelmed by the gravity of his actions, adding a layer of tragic complexity to the incident.
Legal Consequences and Current Status
Following the shooting, police were called to the scene by the son's wife, who reported the violent act. Officers found the wounded man barely able to speak, with blood evidence on the kitchen floor and a bullet casing nearby. Nowak was taken to the hospital for high blood pressure and was later booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, Florida. He faces a charge of attempted murder and was held without bond after his first court appearance, where a public defender was appointed to him.
The son's current condition has not been publicly disclosed, but the severity of his injuries suggests a long and difficult recovery ahead. The case is scheduled for a court hearing on January 8, 2026, where more details and legal arguments will likely emerge.
Why This Case Matters
This heartbreaking episode underscores how family disputes, even those rooted in care and concern, can spiral into violence with devastating consequences. The fact that the conflict arose over visits to a loved one in hospice care adds a poignant dimension to the tragedy. It highlights the emotional strain that caregiving and family dynamics can impose, especially when compounded by aging, illness, and disability.
References: Man, 84, Accused of Shooting Son After Getting Upset Over Lack of Visits | 84-year-old man shoots son in face for not visiting his mom enough: cops | New York Post | 84-year-old Palm Bay man shoots relative in the face, police say
