On March 28, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida, 59-year-old Donna Elkins was arrested after allegedly confronting two teenage boys, aged 13 and 15, who were fishing near her backyard. Believing they were trespassing, Elkins reportedly pointed a long black pellet gun at the boys, ordered them to lie on the ground, and threatened to “blow their heads off.” The boys remained on the ground for approximately five minutes until Elkins’ husband intervened and disarmed her.
Authorities determined that the boys were fishing on a peninsula about 30 feet from Elkins’ property line, land owned by a community development district. Elkins was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of false imprisonment. She was booked into the Brevard County jail and later released on a $25,000 bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for April 22 at the Moore Justice Center in Melbourne.
The incident was captured on video by one of the teens, showing Elkins holding what appeared to be a rifle and yelling at the boys. The 15-year-old, Brayden, stated that he believed the gun was real and feared for his life. He recounted that Elkins made them lie on the ground and threatened to shoot them if they moved.
Two other children who witnessed the incident provided statements that corroborated the boys’ account. They observed Elkins pointing the gun at the teens and shouting threats.
Despite Elkins calling 911 to report the boys for allegedly fishing on her property, authorities concluded that the teens were not trespassing. The area where they were fishing is owned by a community development district and is located approximately 30 feet from Elkins’ property line.
Elkins’ arraignment is scheduled for April 22 at the Moore Justice Center in Melbourne.
