Pure evil’ Florida career criminal who was released early from 4.5 year prison sentence kills man

A Florida career criminal has been described as “purely bad” by a police chief after he went on a crime spree that eventually ended in the murder of a 69-year-old man.

Justin Giambanco, 31, was serving a four-and-a-half year sentence for burglary when he was released early from prison after serving just 18 months.

After being released in October 2022, it wasn’t long before he ran afoul of the law again – and he was subsequently arrested on April 15 on charges of police officer battery and trespassing.

However, despite the violent nature of the arrest, he was again released on bail the next day. Since his release in the fall of last year, Giambanco had resumed behavior patterns that saw him sent to prison in April 2021.

In all, he has 22 misdemeanor counts and 24 misdemeanor counts to his credit.

He’s a suspect in several burglaries in the Palm Bay area, but it’s his alleged connection to this latest murder in the area that could see him serve much longer time in prison.

Giambanc, 31, was released from prison early and allegedly killed a 69-year-old man

“This 31-year-old suspect is pure evil,” said Mario Augello, Palm Bay police chief, noting that given his violent history, he should not have been released early.

“He is a violent repeat offender who, while on bail for prior arrest, preyed on the citizens of Brevard County.

“Since his most recent release, this individual has been a suspect in several burglaries in our county and his most heinous act to date, the brutal murder of a 69-year-old Palm Bay resident just a few days ago,” he explained.

“We see far too many violent repeat offenders being released far too early for reduced sentences or because of minimal bottom-outs,” Augello said at a news conference.

“The suspect in this case is just another example of how our current criminal justice system is not keeping our community safe,” he added.

“To be precise, he has 22 felony counts and 24 misdemeanor counts, but somehow this person is roaming freely in our community and terrorizing our citizens,” Augello said in apparent disbelief.

“This 31-year-old suspect is pure evil,” said Mario Augello, Palm Bay police chief, noting that given his violent past he should never have been released before.

Giambanco was released after serving just 18 months of a 53-month prison sentence for burglary

Giambanco had a violent past and was arrested earlier this month for assaulting a police officer

The murder investigation began when Palm Bay Police responded to a house in the 2700 block of Palm Drive NE for an 911 call around 7 a.m. on April 20.

The 69-year-old victim was found dead at the scene by officers who arrived a few minutes after the emergency number.

Giambanco’s criminal record shows he had 22 misdemeanor counts and 24 misdemeanor counts, which should have been enough to prevent his parole.

He was initially convicted after pleading guilty to throwing a rock through the window of a house he had previously entered in 2017.

Augello said the current criminal justice system is failing to keep communities safe by releasing violent repeat offenders too early because of reduced sentences or because they receive the lightest sentences.

A homicide investigation began when Palm Bay Police responded to a house in the 2700 block of Palm Drive NE around 7:00 AM on April 20. A 69-year-old man was found dead at the scene.

Giambanco was released on bail before committing more burglaries and the alleged murder

While the identity of the man he allegedly killed has not been revealed, police say they found evidence immediately linking Giambanco to the murder.

He now faces charges of manslaughter with a firearm, false imprisonment, grand larceny with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

‘He was a good neighbor. Good friend of mine,’ said Richard Redwanowski WESH he knew the victim and lived opposite his house. “He wouldn’t hurt anyone. He is a super super genuinely nice guy.

“He was on oxygen, so he was a little weak,” Redwanowski said. “I built him something and his son helped me carry it there, so that was the last time I saw him.”