Palm Bay man indicted in killing of 2-year-old girl in Melbourne shooting

Melbourne police search for answers in toddler's death

A 2-year-old girl was shot and killed, and two adults were wounded Friday night inside a Melbourne home, leaving police searching for a suspect and a motive.

MELBOURNE, Fla. - A Palm Bay man has been indicted on first-degree murder and other charges in the fatal shooting of a 2-year-old girl and the wounding of her grandparents during a home invasion in August 2025, authorities said.

A Brevard County grand jury on March 31 charged Clifford O. Long, 37, with one count of premeditated first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The backstory:

Melbourne police said the shooting occurred Aug. 29 at a home on Poplar Lane, where investigators say Long entered the residence and opened fire. 

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The child, Bles’syn Lightner, was shot while in a bedroom with her grandfather, Haywood Hilton. Her grandmother, Alicia Hayes, was shot in a hallway.

The Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the toddler died from a single, close-range gunshot wound to the forehead. Hayes and Hilton were hospitalized with serious injuries and survived.

Detectives identified Long as a suspect after months of investigation, including follow-up interviews. 

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Authorities said he matched a description provided by the grandfather, who later identified Long in a photo lineup. Police also cited Long’s prior history of violent and drug-related offenses.