Florida College Football Player Fatally Shot Downtown

Nathaniel Bernard Jennings, a 19-year-old college football player for the University of Northwestern in Minnesota, was fatally shot around 1:50 a.m. near the Neon Rodeo bar in downtown Melbourne, Florida, while visiting home for Mother’s Day weekend. The incident followed an argument with Stephan Dieujuste, a 24-year-old former college basketball player. Police responded quickly, finding Jennings unresponsive and later pronouncing him dead at a local hospital. Dieujuste was arrested at the scene and charged with manslaughter, claiming self-defense, while the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The altercation and shooting were captured on newly installed downtown surveillance cameras, which authorities are reviewing. Jennings was remembered for his talent, positive character, and having recently earned all-conference honors in his freshman season.