Merritt Island Walmart shooting was self-defense, state attorney officials say

J.D. Gallop | Florida Today

A love triangle that ended with a man getting shot to death in a Merritt Island Walmart was an act of self-defense, Brevard County State Attorney’s Office officials said Thursday.

No charges will be filed in the case.

The deadly shooting happened June 2 near the entrance to the store at 1500 East Merritt Island Causeway.

Dozens of shoppers scrambled for safety as a gunshot erupted near the grocery section.

The store was evacuated; customers moved into the parking lot outside as Brevard County sheriff's deputies sorted through the shooting scene.

Shawn Robbins, 27, of Cocoa, was found lying on the ground in a pool of blood near the entrance.

Prosecutors reviewing the case said Rashad Gibson, 28, a Walmart employee, believed his life was in danger after receiving threatening text messages from Robbins, a romantic rival for the same unidentified woman.

Investigators said Robbins had walked into the store in a bid to confront Gibson over the relationship.

Robbins had made verbal threats and was known to carry a gun, investigators said.

More: Shooting leaves man dead at Merritt Island Walmart; Investigators say it was over a relationship

More: Officers 'justified' in beating suspected police shooter, Florida State attorney says

Gibson, who had his own gun, went to work earlier in the day.

Robbins, described as unemployed, walked through the store searching for Gibson in several departments, according to reports. He confronted Gibson and made a threat before Gibson, fearing for his life, fired off one shot, striking Robbins in the face.

Robbins collapsed to the ground unresponsive. He was taken to Rockledge Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.

Gibson remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, telling the agents about the repeated threats.

According to state law, a person can use deadly force in self-defense if he or she is in imminent threat of death or bodily harm.

CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TODAY: Help support our local journalism

The finding by the state attorney's office ends the case. It was not immediately known if Gibson continues to work for Walmart.

Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641, jdgallop@floridatoday.com and Twitter @JDGallop