Welder Killed in Workplace Shooting in Palm Beach County
Suspect Identified as Kolby Daniel Edwards, 21
A workplace shooting in Palm Beach County, Florida, has claimed the life of one man and injured another. The suspect, identified as Kolby Daniel Edwards, 21, had only worked at the business for about a month, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Shooting Occurred at Coastal Metal
The shooting took place on Friday just after 11:30 a.m. at Coastal Metal, located at 9040 Belvedere Road near Royal Palm Beach. The affidavit said the sheriff’s office received multiple 911 calls after the shooting saying an employee had shot two other coworkers inside the building, described as a “vast warehouse with multiple bays for metal welding and fabrication.”
Victims Identified
The two workers who were shot were identified as Romeish Morgan, who had an apparent gunshot wound to the head, and Gabriel Suprius, who suffered a gunshot to the left shoulder. Both victims were taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center, but Morgan was pronounced dead at 1:11 p.m. Suprius was later treated and released.
Investigation Reveals Details
Investigators said the shooting occurred at a welding workstation where detectives observed multiple.45 caliber spent shell casings, fired projectiles, and a “large amount of blood-like substance.” The supervisor of the warehouse told detectives that Morgan was a welder and Edwards was his assistant. Edwards was not showing up to work on time or at all and would be fired, according to the supervisor.
Supervisor’s Account
The supervisor said he spotted both men earlier in the day and “everything appeared normal.” However, later on, he heard multiple gunshots, prompting him to grab his firearm and head downstairs to the location of the shooting. He told detectives he got to their workstation and saw Edwards holding a firearm and standing over Morgan while attempting to reload the weapon. The supervisor said he told Edwards to drop the gun while he and other employees pushed the suspect to the ground and called 911.
Suspect’s Statements
After the suspect was arrested and sitting in the deputy’s patrol car, the affidavit said Edwards yelled out the window, “Tell Pops I’m sorry!” and asked “Did anyone get hit besides Pop? The older guy? The gentleman?” Detectives later learned that “Pops” was Suprius.
Charges Filed
Edwards is facing a charge of first-degree murder and a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He is also facing additional charges for violating a risk protection order a judge put in place last year after Edwards was accused of beating a dog to death. The judge in that case decided Edwards had to surrender all firearms for at least one year. That case remains an open investigation. He is being held at the Palm Beach County jail without bond.
Conclusion
The workplace shooting in Palm Beach County has left one man dead and another injured. The suspect, Kolby Daniel Edwards, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what may have prompted the shooting.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect in the workplace shooting?
A: The suspect is Kolby Daniel Edwards, 21.
Q: How long had Edwards worked at the business?
A: Edwards had only worked at the business for about a month.
Q: What were the charges filed against Edwards?
A: Edwards is facing a charge of first-degree murder and a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Q: Is Edwards being held in jail?
A: Yes, Edwards is being held at the Palm Beach County jail without bond.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what may have prompted the shooting.
