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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Suspect in Custody After Deadly Incident in South Daytona
A man has been arrested following a fatal shooting at an apartment complex on South Ridgewood Avenue in South Daytona, Florida, according to local authorities. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, marks the beginning of a homicide investigation being conducted by the South Daytona Police Department.
Details of the South Daytona Homicide
Police officers responded to reports at the apartment complex around 5:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they entered an apartment and found a man—later identified as 45-year-old Rob Panayotis—unresponsive in a back bedroom. According to investigators, Panayotis suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Firefighters pronounced him dead at the scene.
Justin Bryan Identified as Suspect and Arrested
Not long after the shooting, police took a suspect into custody. In a statement released Wednesday evening, South Daytona Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Justin Bryan. Authorities confirmed that Bryan has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the south daytona homicide.
Dispute Allegedly Related to Motorcycle Clubs
An arrest affidavit provided further details about the circumstances leading up to the deadly shooting. Investigators reported that the incident arose from a dispute between Bryan and Panayotis, apparently regarding a comment that referenced motorcycle clubs. Witnesses recalled to police that Bryan retrieved a shotgun from a bedroom closet during the argument. He allegedly fired once into the floor and then fired a second shot that struck Panayotis in the face as Panayotis was gathering his belongings in order to leave the apartment.
Witness Statements and Ongoing Investigation
According to police, two witnesses told investigators that Panayotis was unarmed at the time of the shooting and had not made any threatening statements nor engaged in a physical altercation with Bryan prior to the incident. Authorities emphasized that the homicide investigation remains ongoing as they continue to gather information about what transpired inside the apartment complex.
How to Report Information
South Daytona Police encourage anyone who may have information relevant to the shooting, or who witnessed activity in the area of south ridgewood avenue on the morning in question, to contact the South Daytona Police Department at 386-322-3030. The case continues to be actively investigated by local law enforcement in Volusia County.
Source: clickorlando.com.
