A 17-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection with a double murder in DeLand, Florida. The victims, Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, were found dead on July 29. The suspect, who has a history of legal troubles dating back to 2021, was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday.
Criminal History of the Suspect
Authorities revealed that the suspect had a significant criminal history, including charges of assault with a deadly weapon, battery, and drug possession. Many of these charges were dismissed, not filed, or resolved through probation. The teen was also involved in a diversion program for previous offenses before the alleged murders.
“We’re talking about aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, multiple counts of battery, criminal mischief, vehicle theft, trespassing, drug possession, another aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer, all dating back to 2021,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
Impact on the Community
The deaths of Rose and Campbell have shocked their families and the local community. Rose was a student at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina and a member of the South Carolina National Guard. He was described as a team leader and valued friend.
“He was such a light in our family,” said Rachel Rose, Dustin’s mother. “We are devastated.”
Legal and Political Reactions
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Monique Worrell for not prosecuting the suspect more stringently in the past. Worrell defended her office, stating that the latest crime did not fall within her jurisdiction.
The teen suspect is now facing two counts of second-degree murder. R.J. Larizza, the state attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, indicated that charges as an adult are likely. The suspect’s father has also been charged as a felony accessory after the fact.
Background of the Victims
Campbell was visiting family in Florida with Rose at the time of the incident. They were there to mourn the loss of Campbell’s family dog. Tragically, their visit ended in the fatal shooting.