Legal Expert to talk about child sexual abuse accusations against Florida priest, legal case against Diocese of Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – On Friday, Herman Law is set to hold a news conference to announce a lawsuit against the Diocese of Orlando amid new child sexual abuse allegations against a late priest.

Palm Bay Police said 24-year-old Brandon Kapas shot and killed Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner, 76, and his sister, Sally Hoeffner, 69, inside their home in January 2024.

A year later, a report revealed that sexual abuse may have led to the shooting, including a folder with notes about abuse that was found at the crime scene.

Hoeffner served for nearly two decades at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Palm Bay.

According to a news release, a victim will share their story during Friday’s news conference, alongside statements from Jeff Herman, a nationally-recognized attorney and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse.

The news conference is set for 12:30 p.m. in Orlando.

News 6 plans to stream the news conference at the top of this story.