Topline: Authorities say William Nowak pulled a gun and fired at his son’s face after a heated dispute.
Published: December 18, 2025 1:33 pm ET
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William Nowak, mugshot via Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
PALM BAY, FL — A Florida man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his son in the face during a Dec. 9 argument over a missed weekend visit.
William Nowak, 84, was arrested after police responded to the family home, according to reports from Florida Today.
The incident took place just after 7:30 p.m. local time. Police were dispatched after receiving a 911 call from the victim’s wife, who reported the shooting, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Florida Today.
The affidavit states that Nowak lived with his 85‑year‑old wife and his 62‑year‑old disabled daughter. He became angry when his son and daughter‑in‑law arrived for a visit.
Nowak was reportedly the primary caregiver for his wife, who was receiving hospice care at home. He also provided daily care for his disabled daughter.
According to the affidavit, Nowak confronted the couple, saying he was upset they had not visited the previous weekend. The son’s wife told officers that, despite the missed visit, the couple usually came to the home once a week.
The argument intensified between Nowak and his son. During the dispute, Nowak allegedly threatened his son, telling him to “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you,” the affidavit reported.
Police allege that following the threat, Nowak walked to his bedroom and retrieved a handgun. He then walked past his daughter-in-law and proceeded into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Nowak allegedly fired the weapon, striking his son in the face. The son’s wife witnessed the shooting. Nowak then returned to the bedroom and came back out without the gun.
After the shooting, the 84-year-old became emotional, allegedly “crying and screaming” and asking, “What just happened?” according to the police documents.
The victim was taken to the hospital. The bullet struck him in the face and fragmented, with pieces lodging in his face and jaw. ClickOrlando reported that the man was sedated due to his injuries.
Nowak was also hospitalized for a separate issue, receiving medical attention for high blood pressure, according to ClickOrlando.
After receiving medical clearance, Nowak was taken into custody. He was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, Florida, and charged with attempted murder, as reported by Florida Today.
Nowak made his first court appearance on Dec. 11. During the hearing, a judge appointed him a public defender. Due to the severity of the alleged crime, the judge ruled that Nowak would be held without bond.
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the events that led to the shooting and the charge of attempted murder. Nowak remains in custody following the judge’s no-bond ruling.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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84-Year-Old Florida Father Shoots Son Over Missed Visits
Authorities say William Nowak pulled a gun and fired at his son’s face after a heated dispute.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 18, 2025 1:33 pm ET
William Nowak, mugshot via Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
PALM BAY, FL — A Florida man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his son in the face during a Dec. 9 argument over a missed weekend visit.
William Nowak, 84, was arrested after police responded to the family home, according to reports from Florida Today.
The incident took place just after 7:30 p.m. local time. Police were dispatched after receiving a 911 call from the victim’s wife, who reported the shooting, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Florida Today.
The affidavit states that Nowak lived with his 85‑year‑old wife and his 62‑year‑old disabled daughter. He became angry when his son and daughter‑in‑law arrived for a visit.
Nowak was reportedly the primary caregiver for his wife, who was receiving hospice care at home. He also provided daily care for his disabled daughter.
According to the affidavit, Nowak confronted the couple, saying he was upset they had not visited the previous weekend. The son’s wife told officers that, despite the missed visit, the couple usually came to the home once a week.
The argument intensified between Nowak and his son. During the dispute, Nowak allegedly threatened his son, telling him to “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you,” the affidavit reported.
Police allege that following the threat, Nowak walked to his bedroom and retrieved a handgun. He then walked past his daughter-in-law and proceeded into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Nowak allegedly fired the weapon, striking his son in the face. The son’s wife witnessed the shooting. Nowak then returned to the bedroom and came back out without the gun.
After the shooting, the 84-year-old became emotional, allegedly “crying and screaming” and asking, “What just happened?” according to the police documents.
The victim was taken to the hospital. The bullet struck him in the face and fragmented, with pieces lodging in his face and jaw. ClickOrlando reported that the man was sedated due to his injuries.
Nowak was also hospitalized for a separate issue, receiving medical attention for high blood pressure, according to ClickOrlando.
After receiving medical clearance, Nowak was taken into custody. He was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, Florida, and charged with attempted murder, as reported by Florida Today.
Nowak made his first court appearance on Dec. 11. During the hearing, a judge appointed him a public defender. Due to the severity of the alleged crime, the judge ruled that Nowak would be held without bond.
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the events that led to the shooting and the charge of attempted murder. Nowak remains in custody following the judge’s no-bond ruling.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
84-Year-Old Florida Father Shoots Son Over Missed Visits
Authorities say William Nowak pulled a gun and fired at his son’s face after a heated dispute.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 18, 2025 1:33 pm ET
William Nowak, mugshot via Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
PALM BAY, FL — A Florida man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his son in the face during a Dec. 9 argument over a missed weekend visit.
William Nowak, 84, was arrested after police responded to the family home, according to reports from Florida Today.
The incident took place just after 7:30 p.m. local time. Police were dispatched after receiving a 911 call from the victim’s wife, who reported the shooting, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Florida Today.
The affidavit states that Nowak lived with his 85‑year‑old wife and his 62‑year‑old disabled daughter. He became angry when his son and daughter‑in‑law arrived for a visit.
Nowak was reportedly the primary caregiver for his wife, who was receiving hospice care at home. He also provided daily care for his disabled daughter.
According to the affidavit, Nowak confronted the couple, saying he was upset they had not visited the previous weekend. The son’s wife told officers that, despite the missed visit, the couple usually came to the home once a week.
The argument intensified between Nowak and his son. During the dispute, Nowak allegedly threatened his son, telling him to “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you,” the affidavit reported.
Police allege that following the threat, Nowak walked to his bedroom and retrieved a handgun. He then walked past his daughter-in-law and proceeded into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Nowak allegedly fired the weapon, striking his son in the face. The son’s wife witnessed the shooting. Nowak then returned to the bedroom and came back out without the gun.
After the shooting, the 84-year-old became emotional, allegedly “crying and screaming” and asking, “What just happened?” according to the police documents.
The victim was taken to the hospital. The bullet struck him in the face and fragmented, with pieces lodging in his face and jaw. ClickOrlando reported that the man was sedated due to his injuries.
Nowak was also hospitalized for a separate issue, receiving medical attention for high blood pressure, according to ClickOrlando.
After receiving medical clearance, Nowak was taken into custody. He was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, Florida, and charged with attempted murder, as reported by Florida Today.
Nowak made his first court appearance on Dec. 11. During the hearing, a judge appointed him a public defender. Due to the severity of the alleged crime, the judge ruled that Nowak would be held without bond.
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the events that led to the shooting and the charge of attempted murder. Nowak remains in custody following the judge’s no-bond ruling.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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