On April 4, 2025, the Melbourne Police Department concluded an investigation related to vandalism of private and public property along Pineapple Avenue, between West Eau Gallie Blvd and Riverview Drive, Melbourne, Florida, 32935. The vandalism occurred during the early morning hours of March 2, 2025.

Several building signs, structures, including the Jesus is Lord Church, located at 2008 Pineapple Avenue, along with city owned properties, were defaced with hate speech, racial slurs, and other forms of insensitive language and symbolism.

Detectives were able to collaborate with school officials from the Brevard County School District and community members to identify the individual responsible. Further investigations revealed the juvenile had committed a similar act on January 20, 2025, in a subdivision near Parkway Drive and Stewart Road, Melbourne, Florida 32935.

In coordination with state prosecutors, criminal charges for Felony Criminal Mischief with Hate Crime enhancements were filed and a take into custody order was issued for the juvenile. The juvenile was taken into custody on April 4, 2025 and turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.