A woman from Big Coppitt Key has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following a fatal shooting incident involving her boyfriend. Brittany Holbrook, aged 35, received a 40-year sentence in state prison for the crime that occurred in 2023. The first 25 years of her sentence will be served without the possibility of earned gain time.
The verdict, reached on February 24, 2025, found Holbrook guilty of second-degree murder, with the jury taking less than an hour to deliberate. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office provided these details following the court proceedings.
The incident took place during the early morning hours of June 17, 2023. Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence where they discovered the victim, Tyler Nulisch, aged 30, with a fatal gunshot wound to the back. Holbrook was present at the scene.
Reports reveal that on the night of June 16, the couple had been drinking at their home before retiring to bed. Holbrook initially claimed to detectives that she experienced a memory gap and was unsure of the events that followed. Later, she alleged that Nulisch had attempted to strangle her, although no physical evidence supported this claim.
A roommate shared with deputies that he was awakened by Holbrook’s screams. Upon investigating, he found Nulisch bleeding on the living room floor. According to his account, Nulisch identified Holbrook as the shooter. Despite this, Holbrook reportedly showed no reaction to the accusation.
Nulisch was transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. Investigators recovered a 9 mm handgun and a spent shell casing at the crime scene.
State Attorney Dennis Ward described the case as a tragic illustration of how domestic disputes can escalate into deadly encounters. He expressed gratitude for the jury’s resolute verdict and acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team in securing justice for Tyler Nulisch.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield, who co-prosecuted the case with Assistant State Attorney David Alvarez, emphasized the significance of the evidence presented, which included Nulisch’s final words and forensic findings that contradicted Holbrook’s self-defense claim. He expressed appreciation for the jury’s service and their careful consideration of the case.
The Human Angle Explored
This case sheds light on the potential volatility within domestic relationships and the devastating consequences that can arise from disputes. For communities, this serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking intervention to prevent such tragedies.
On a broader scale, the incident underscores the critical need for resources and support systems for individuals experiencing domestic violence or struggling with conflict resolution. Awareness and education can empower individuals to seek help and potentially avert violent outcomes.