A former Florida sheriff’s deputy is now facing a second-degree murder charge in a case that prosecutors say began as a “joke” during a video game session but ended in a fatal shooting.
The charge against Andrew Lawson was upgraded in April 2026 by the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 18th Judicial Circuit, more than three years after the December 2022 death of his roommate and fellow deputy, Austin Walsh.
Lawson’s case had been moving toward resolution earlier this year after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. That plea was ultimately withdrawn, sending the case back toward trial, local news outlet WESH reported.
What happened to Austin Walsh?
Authorities say Lawson and Walsh, both Brevard County sheriff’s deputies and close friends, were at their Palm Bay apartment playing the popular video game Call of Duty when the shooting occurred.
According to court records and testimony, the two had been gaming together when Lawson picked up a handgun he had recently purchased. Believing it was unloaded, he pointed it at Walsh and made a joking remark before pulling the trigger. The weapon fired, striking Walsh in the head and killing him. He was 23.
But the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office says Lawson had manipulated the firearm after an initial trigger pull did not discharge, then fired a second time, leading to the fatal shot.
Lawson called 911 immediately after the shooting and cooperated with authorities, describing the incident as accidental.
Lawson’s account: ‘joking’ with an unloaded gun
From the outset, Lawson has maintained that he did not intend to harm his friend. He told investigators and later testified that he believed the gun was not loaded when he pointed it at Walsh, characterizing his actions as a joke gone tragically wrong.
During court proceedings, Lawson apologized to Walsh’s family and acknowledged responsibility for the shooting, though his defense has argued for consideration of his mental health and lack of intent.
In January 2026, Lawson pleaded guilty to manslaughter as part of a negotiated agreement that capped his potential prison sentence at seven years. However, the case took a turn when a judge rejected the plea deal after hearing emotional testimony from Walsh’s family, who argued the punishment was too lenient.
Following that rejection, Lawson formally withdrew his guilty plea, a legal step that reset the case and reopened the possibility of a trial or a new plea agreement.
Charges upgraded, and trial outlook
Prosecutors have since elevated the case to second-degree murder, significantly increasing the potential penalties Lawson could face if convicted. According to the state’s argument, Lawson’s actions — pointing a firearm and pulling the trigger — demonstrated a disregard for human life, even if he claims he thought the weapon was unloaded.
Labeling the prosecution’s latest move as “retaliatory,” attorney Alan Landman argued that the upgraded charge was a direct response to Lawson’s refusal of a “new, unreasonable” plea deal offered after his original agreement fell through, according to Florida’s WFTV.
As of April 2026, Lawson remains out of sentencing and is awaiting further court proceedings under the new charge. No final trial date has been publicly confirmed.
Published: Apr 17, 2026 03:35 pm