VERO BEACH — A 29-year-old Vero Beach man has been charged with murder in the killing of his 76-year-old grandmother, who opened her home to him, authorities said.
Nicholas Leonard Ivey faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence in the death of Patricia Ann DiBella, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Ivey admitted to killing DiBella on Feb. 1, 2026, at her residence at 5090 Fairways Circle in Vero Beach, according to investigators. Family members requested a welfare check the following day, leading deputies to the home where Ivey was taken into custody. He had been held since then on related charges and was formally charged with murder on June 3, following an extensive investigation.
Ivey is being held without bond at the Indian River County Jail.
Sheriff Eric Flowers praised his team’s work in the case.
“I am proud of the work our investigations team did to bring justice to Patricia DiBella and her family,” Flowers said. “No one should lose their life at the hands of someone they trusted and welcomed into their home. I encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to contact law enforcement.”
The sheriff’s office reminded the community that domestic violence can take many forms and affect anyone. Anyone in danger should call 911, SafeSpace at (772) 288-7023, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of DiBella’s death.