Titusville council asks police to offer grieving mother private viewing of body‑camera footage

Titusville City Council voted 5‑0 Tuesday to ask the city manager to request that the Titusville Police Department offer Samantha Charles the opportunity to privately view available body‑worn camera footage related to the Feb. 7, 2025, officer‑involved shooting, accompanied by a support person of her choosing and contingent on any required confidentiality or nondisclosure agreement.

The unanimous motion, made by Member Muscoso and seconded by Vice Mayor Cole, came after dozens of residents urged the council to press for transparency and closure. The motion asked the city manager to request the viewing “as soon as possible,” while council members repeatedly noted the police department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the State Attorney’s Office each have roles in the investigative and release process.

The decision followed lengthy public comment from family members and advocates, who said delay has caused further trauma. “She just wants to see what happened to her son,” Samantha Charles told the council during public comment. Community speakers repeatedly requested that Chief Lau either release the footage to the family or ask the prosecutors to do so.

Council members debated legal and procedural limits before voting. Member Nelson pointed out that the State Attorney’s Office ultimately reviews the FDLE file; Member Muscoso and Vice Mayor Cole said the council should formally request the police department to seek permission or otherwise offer the viewing because that council support could strengthen the family’s request.

Council and speakers also noted inconsistent public statements on the status of the FDLE review. In the meeting the mayor referenced a press release indicating the case had moved to another level of review; others said the chief had told family members different information. Members agreed the city should not interfere with an active state investigation and added language asking that any viewing occur "within state guidelines." The council asked staff to clarify whether the Titusville Police Department has authority to provide private viewing while the state review is pending.

The council’s motion and roll call are recorded in the meeting minutes. No formal order to release footage was issued; the council’s action was a request that the city manager ask the police department to offer a private viewing, subject to any legal or prosecutorial restrictions.

The family and several community advocates said the council vote was a step toward closure but reiterated they want the footage shared with the family and their attorney. The council directed staff to follow up and report back on whether the department or the State Attorney’s Office can authorize the viewing and on any procedural steps needed to implement the request.