Brooksville, FL – A Weeki Wachee man has been indicted on an upgraded murder charge following a fatal August shooting outside his residence, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, a Hernando County Grand Jury on Thursday indicted Evan Michael Stanley on a charge of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm in the shooting death of Keval Mehta. Stanley had previously faced a second-degree murder charge.
Deputies said the incident happened around 3:05 a.m. on August 20, 2025, after they were called to Stanley’s home on Schering Street following reports of a shooting. When deputies arrived, they found Mehta deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Stanley, who was not hurt, called 911 immediately after the shooting and was detained at the scene.
According to the sheriff’s office, both men had worked together previously and ran into each other earlier that night at a bar in Spring Hill. Investigators say Mehta offered Stanley a ride home shortly before the confrontation.
Detectives reported that once at the residence, an argument began—partially involving a dog Stanley had allegedly taken during prior employment. Stanley told detectives he felt threatened after Mehta made verbal threats and implied he was armed. He said he retrieved a firearm from a safe inside his home before confronting Mehta outside.
Investigators say Stanley fired multiple rounds after Mehta reached into his vehicle. No firearm belonging to Mehta was recovered.
The sheriff’s office noted that Stanley gave “several conflicting statements” during questioning. He remains held at the Hernando County Detention Center without bond.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
