A retirement village in Palm Beach was the site of a golf-related shooting. On the evening of April 24, 2022, authorities say Robert Levine fired five shots at Herbert Merritt because Merritt was walking his dog too close to the golf course. Merritt was wounded in the ankle and fell to the ground after being shot. Levine then grabbed a golf club and struck Merritt at least four times. Several residents who observed the attack called 911.

Local resident Terry Eichas said, “This is something that does not happen around here. Everyone is a bit on edge. People are very much aware of what happened, but it could have happened anywhere.”

Merritt told deputies that he was walking his dog when Levine, who he’d never met before, complained about the dog’s presence. After Levine approached in his golf cart, an altercation ensued, concluding with Levine pulling out his weapon and firing at Merritt, who was in full retreat by that time.

Levine was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and discharging a firearm in public.

Possible Preaching Angle:

Violence should never be a way of resolving interpersonal conflict. God’s blessing is on the peacemaker (Matt. 5:9).