84-Year-Old Man Accused of Shooting Son After Getting Upset Over Lack of Visits

An 84-year-old man in Palm Bay, Florida, has been charged with attempted murder after authorities say he shot his son in the face during an argument at his home.

According to reports from Florida Today and ClickOrlando, William Nowak was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 9, after police responded to a shooting call at a residence on the 1600 block of Hawksbill Street shortly after 7:30 p.m. local time.

A probable cause affidavit obtained by the outlets states that Nowak lived in the home with his 85-year-old wife and their 62-year-old daughter. Investigators said he served as a caregiver for both: his wife was receiving in-home hospice care, and their daughter has a disability.

Police said Nowak’s son arrived at the home on Dec. 9 with his wife. The son’s wife told officers that Nowak became upset and complained that the couple had not visited over the weekend, even though they typically visited weekly, according to the reports.

The disagreement escalated, and Nowak allegedly told his son, “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you,” per the affidavit.

Authorities allege Nowak then went into his bedroom, retrieved a handgun, and walked past his son’s wife. Investigators said he entered the kitchen and shot his son in the face, then returned to the bedroom and came back out without the firearm, according to the son’s wife.

After the shooting, Nowak allegedly asked, “What just happened?” before crying and yelling, police said.

The victim was taken to the hospital and sedated due to his injuries, per ClickOrlando. The bullet reportedly struck his face, fragmented, and lodged in his face and jaw. Nowak was also hospitalized for high blood pressure, according to the outlet.

Nowak has been charged with attempted murder, the reports said. He was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, Florida.

He appeared in court Thursday, Dec. 11, when a judge appointed him a public defender and ordered that he be held without bond.