The Killing Of A Fellow Deputy Manipulating Florida's Criminal Justice System A Short Study Of A Two Tiered System Of Justice
Updated March 5, 2026
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
THIS ARTICLE IS BEING OFFERED
AS A JOURNALISTIC EDITORIAL,
NO LEGAL OPINION, OR AUTHORITY, SHOULD BE INFERRED
The Killing Of Brevard Deputy Austin Walsh
In December 2022 - both twenty-something Austin Walsh and Andrew Lawson were roommates AND Brevard County (FLORIDA) sheriff deputies.
In the early morning hours of December 3, 2022 - a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigation would conclude that Deputy Lawson pointed a gun at Deputy Walsh, while twice pulling the trigger. The first pull resulted in a dry fire, causing Lawson to quickly pull back the slide of the gun, and immediately fired again, sending a round into the Walsh's brain - instantly killing him.
According to Lawson, he was just "joking" with Walsh as he pulled the trigger, in an alleged attempt, to get Walsh to return to the on-line game "Call of Duty", in which Lawson, and several other Brevard deputies were virtually participating in.
Of course, we (this publication, the public, and the Walsh family) will never have Deputy Walsh's account of what the circumstances were prior to Lawson killing him.
However, even without Deputy Walsh's account - there is a conclusion that can easily be made, that has been suspiciously ignored by government officials - Deputy Walsh died while "on duty" - read on for our opinion on this, and WHY this determination is so important.
The "Paul Harvey" Approach To Investigative Journalism
Paul Harvey Aurandt (1918-2009) was a renown American radio broadcaster famous for his "Rest of the Story" segments, in which his reporting delved deeper into the facts of already reported media events.
In short - while most reporters would concentrate their efforts in providing their audience with the "who, what, where, and how" of a media event - Harvey would provide his radio listeners with the missing or under-reported "why".
While this publication can in no way meet the journalistic standards of Mr. Harvey - regardless, we shall endeavor to present our readers with additional facts surrounding the death of Deputy Walsh, together with the criminal prosecution of former Deputy Lawson - with the goal of providing the public with the "rest of the story" (THE WHY).
Harvey receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005
While we share our findings and "opinions" - we suggest you form your own conclusions.
A Swift Investigative Conclusion
It is of interest, that within a mere two (2) days of Deputy Walsh's death, and as memorialized within the below linked "related media article" - apparently both Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey and FDLE were already accepting Lawson's account of what had transpired.
According to their filed Probable Cause Affidavit, within thirty (30) hours of the shooting, FDLE arrested Lawson under a second degree felony charge of manslaughter. Within the month - and after heavy media attention, the local prosecutor's office would raise that to a first degree felony manslaughter charge(see both charging affidavits @ right of page =>).
FDLE Agent Scott Ratliff was the investigating and charging officer - with his boss - FDLE's Resident Agent In Charge (RAC) for Brevard & Volusia Counties, Jason Kriegsman co-signing the charging affidavit (again - see @ right of page =>).
Prior to becoming sheriff of Brevard County, Sheriff Wayne Ivey was FDLE's RAC for Brevard & Volusia counties.
This publication alleges (opines) that the "FDLE investigation" into the death of Deputy Walsh was driven more by politics and business concerns, than it ever was in seeking justice for Deputy Walsh and his family.
Here is an apparent unspoken fact - the supervisor (Kriegsman) within the FDLE investigation had a business interest in the outcome of this criminal investigation (more on this shortly).
Brevard and Seminole Counties make up the Eighteenth judicial circuit
Law Enforcement Within Florida Operates Under A "Business Model"
IN FULL DISCLOSURE, this publication has in the past, expressed concerns that FDLE agents (click here to review email with FDLE), including then RAC Kriegsman were too financially involved with law enforcement agencies - regarding their private training contracts - while also overseeing these same agencies within their FDLE responsibilities involving officer / agency misconduct allegations. (see right of page ==>>)
We highly suspect that the BCSO and the Valor Group currently maintain a contractual relationship.
This publication opines - that it is an honest question to ask - did the contractual relationship between the BCSO and the Valor Group taint FDLE's investigative conclusions into Deputy Walsh's death?
EXAMPLE - did the Valor Group provide any "gun safety" training to BCSO deputies?
Since Kriegsman currently has a "senior investigative" position within the Seventh State Attorney's Office (SAO) - this publication is left to wonder - does the SAO OR any law enforcement agency within the Seventh Judicial Circuit maintain any training contracts with the Valor Group? AND, if so - are those contracts "conflicts of interest" against the administration of justice?
“When morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses.”~ Shirley Chisholm
Providing Sheriff Wayne Ivey With Some Investigative Coverage?
BOTTOM LINE did FDLE (Kriegsman) - provide Sheriff Ivey with some legal "coverage" - within their rather quick "investigative conclusion" that Deputy Walsh's death was the result of an "accidental shooting"?
Given that most traffic homicide investigations (THIs) take much more time to come to an investigative conclusion, than it took to determine that Walsh's death was "accidental" - we (this publication) tend
to support (opine) that the "investigation" into the death of Walsh was a mere "dog and pony show" - a performance, to guide the media's attention - and to soothe any concerns of the Walsh family.
The delay of three (3) years between Walsh's death and Lawson's trial / plea deal - in our OPINION - was purposeful - hoping that the delay would eventually find a disinterested media, and a broken Walsh family - desiring closure over the justice that they deserve.
Justice Denied Deputy Walsh's In-line Of Duty Death Benefits
Due to the fact that officials determined that Deputy Walsh's death was an unfortunate "accidental death" - his family is NOT entitled to local, state, or federal death benefits - routinely available to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
HOWEVER, this publication argues that Deputy Walsh's family should be entitled to in-line of duty death benefits.
Law enforcement officers can go from "being off duty" to "being on duty" in an instant. An "off duty" officer can see a crime occurring - and instantly intercede in an "on duty" status.
The investigative report indicates that Deputy Lawson pulled his gun's trigger twice - the first pull was a dry fire - but regardless, that act itself was a crime. By the time Lawson was able to chamber a round, and pull the trigger a second time - thus instantly killed Deputy Walsh - we opine, that Deputy Walsh had already transitioned from an "off-duty" status to an "on-duty" status.
Indeed, Deputy Walsh was killed while on duty - regardless, if FDLE and the SAO only filed a "manslaughter" charge against Lawson for his second trigger pull - there was an additional crime in the pointing and dry firing of the gun at Deputy Walsh. This publication opines that Deputy Walsh was in the mindset of responding as a law enforcement officer to that uncharged crime - as Lawson was preparing for his second trigger pull. Which in our opinion makes the second trigger pull premeditated murder.
A Judicial Ménage à trois Of Corruption In Bed With One Another - The Prosecutor - The Defense Attorney - AND The Judge
Sadly, this publication suspects that this perceived act of "justice manipulation" - far exceeds the willingness of FDLE (Kriegsman) in providing the local sheriff with a professional "hand job".
A recent plea offer between local elected State Attorney William Scheiner and Lawson's defense attorney - Alan Landman tends to support that Scheiner, Landman, and Circuit Court Judge Michelle Naberhaus are
actively engaging in a "judicial Ménage à trois" in order to provide Sheriff Wayne Ivey with the finding and sentence that he needs - the "accidental shooting" conclusion.
Kriegsman, Ivey, Landman, and Judge Naberhaus all have questionable histories with one another. Prepare yourself as we unwind these "histories" - and how these connections are in our OPINION side-tracking justice for the Walsh family.
On-line records (March 2020) indicate that Landman was the chairperson on Sheriff Ivey's BCSO civil service board. This board - serves as an independent arbitrator should Sheriff Ivey take disciplinary action against any of his deputies.
Should Landman still be assigned to this board, OR he was assigned on the date of Deputy Walsh's tragic death - this publication ponders whether Landman's assignment as former Deputy Lawson's criminal defense counsel is a probable conflict of interest.
In Who's Best Interest?
Some may ask - who's interests is Landman truly representing - Mr. Lawson's interests, or the best interests of Sheriff Ivey, and others.
These are not unfair questions to ask - does Sheriff Ivey benefit from this case not going to trial - a civil action avoidance? Does Mr. Kriegsman, and the Valor Group, benefit from this case not going to trial - the avoidance of the mentioning of training issues - possibly gun safety training?
What is the best way to get a defendant to avoid the publicity of a trial - and to accept a plea bargain? ANSWER - Have the defendant's attorney convince his client that a plea bargain is his best option?
And maybe it is in Lawson's best interest to take a plea deal - but from where we are standing - it appears that a plea deal is also in the best interest of several members of our local criminal justice system.
The Off The Record Conspiracy
This publication has suspected over the last three years - that justice professionals were conspiring with each other to resolve Deputy Walsh's death as an "accidental death" - AND in doing so - provide former Deputy Lawson with a light sentence / plea deal.
ACTUALLY, it would not at all surprise us - should Governor DeSantis later this year, and shortly before leaving office, provide Lawson with a full pardon. More on that - should it occur.
Evidence In Support Of The Conspiracy
During the January 30, 2026 plea and sentencing hearing - Judge Naberhaus twice called the prosecutor and defense attorneys up to her bench for "off the record"* side bar conferences (see videos to the right of this page ==>>).
Sidebar between Judge Naberhaus, State Attorney William Scheiner, and Defense Attorney Alan Landman - prior to the start of the January 30, 2026 plea / sentencing hearing
Sidebar between Judge Naberhaus, State Attorney William Scheiner, and Defense Attorney Alan Landman - towards the end of the January 30, 2026 plea / sentencing hearing
*These side bar conferences were held under the cloak of the "white noise machine" that was activated by Judge Naberhaus (see videos) in order to keep the courtroom audience, which included the Walsh family, from hearing what was being discussed.
This publication made a public record request for the courtroom videos. We received video and audio taken from a courtroom camera unaffected by the white noise machine.
The first sidebar conference was held shortly after the start of the January 30th hearing - and the another one, shortly prior to the ending of the hearing.
During both conferences you can observe and hear Judge Naberhaus, the prosecutors, and the defense attorney discussing how to come up with a sentencing for Lawson.
There are even discussions that Judge Naberhaus may be obligated to recuse herself from the case - AND how to frame her statement in open court, in an attempt to avoid her recusal.
Under Normal Circumstances
Yes, maybe under normal circumstances - these sidebar conferences would not be as consequential, OR as controversial as this publication now argues, if it was not for the above outlined "conflicts of interest" - and the soon to be outlined history between Mr. Landman and Judge Nauberhaus (keep reading).
Practicing Politics, Rather Than Practicing Law
VolusiaExposed.Com has for several years been expressing our belief that locally, there are a large number of judges that would rather "practice politics" over their constitutional duties of
"practicing the law".
In 2018, this publication expressed our concerns that Judge Naberhaus had a preference to "practice politics" in order to
facilitate advancements in her judicial career (from County Court Judge - to a governor's appointment to the Circuit Court bench).
* Attorney Landman is former Deputy Lawson's current defense attorney. Landman, Judge Naberhaus, and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey have a long history with each other. - keep reading.
Judge Naberhaus' glad-handing tactic with Governor Scott, in an apparent attempt in obtaining a judicial appointment to the circuit court bench proved to be unsuccessful.
HOWEVER, the following year - under newly elected Governor Ron DeSantis, Judge Naberhaus again, with the apparent assistance of JNC Chair Alan Landman attempted to secure
the new governor's appointment to the circuit court bench.
Landman Gets His Professional Appendage Caught In Governor DeSantis' Screen Door
In April 2019, VolusiaExposed.Com covered the Judicial Nominating Commission's (JNC) interviews of the circuit court judicial candidates.
Within an April 24, 2019 article (click here to read), we expressed our concerns
that the JNC (Landman, JNC Chairperson) had forwarded County Court Judge Michelle Naberhaus' name to Governor DeSantis for possible judicial appointment.
On the same date of our article (April 24, 2019)Mr. Landman wrote this publication a critical email letter - stating that we were "trashing talking and bad mouthing Judge Naberhaus". Mr. Landman goes on to state that "she (Naberhaus) has shown herself to be one of the finest jurists we have in Brevard County".
The problem for Mr. Landman, and the governor's office - is that Landman had also "openly" sent that exact email to senior members of the DeSantis administration - thus, providing Judge Naberhaus with an additional ranking by the JNC - a violation of JNC ethics. (see email - right of page ==>>)
Sometime later - BUT under a different JNC chairperson, Governor DeSantis eventually did appoint Naberhaus to the circuit court bench.
The Optics Of Landman's & Judge Naberhaus' Past Histories Coupled With The Side Bar Conferences
As is memorialized above (Landman's extra JNC support of Naberhaus - and their recent side bar communications) these two appear to enjoy a special professional relationship - that introduces an apparent conflict of interest regarding finding true justice within this particular prosecution (State of Florida v. Andrew Lawson).
Judicial Ethics
Judges must not ONLY avoid a conflict of interest - but they also have an obligation to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
We submit for our readers' consideration - that the discussions between
the elected state attorney, Landman, and Judge Naberhaus on how to develop and communicate her sentencing decision - in order to avoid having to recuse herself - probably, now mandates the judge's recusal.
Actually, in truth, given the local state attorney's involvement - the case probably needs to be reassigned to another state attorney's office for final disposition.
Justice
From all accounts, that were presented within these court hearings - Deputy Austin Walsh was a fine and honorable law enforcement officer. He, his family, and the community that Austin served deserve justice.
This publication can not see how justice can be served under the above described circumstances.
Lawson has another court hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026.
Other On-Going Matters And They Call Her - "Your Honor"
Recently (February 2026) - Governor DeSantis made a trip to Brevard County.
Circuit Court Judge Jessica Recksiedler (former chief judge for the circuit) had no problems being photographed glad-handing it with Governor DeSantis. ==>>
Judge Jessica Recksiedler's September 18, 2014 5th DCA JNC Interview
Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler Governor Ron DeSantis
Maybe Judge Recksielder is going to take another stab at securing a gubernatorial appointment to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. And so it goes, within the Brevard County justice system.
Stand by - to stand by - there is certainly more to come of this.
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” ~ Buddha
Bruce Hornsby & The Range ~ "That's Just The Way It Is"
We look forward to your comments on this situation. Drop us a line to let us know what you think. EMAIL US
