In a tragic case that has rocked the Florida community, a 17-year-old has been identified as a suspect in the shocking double homicide of a Citadel cadet and his childhood friend.
The DeLand Police Department revealed an arrest warrant has been issued for the teenager, who faces two counts of second-degree murder.
Victims Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, were last captured on surveillance footage strolling down a sidewalk at approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28.
The DeLand Police Department released surveillance images depicting the two friends walking together Tuesday evening, shortly before their tragic demise.
The following day, the young men’s bodies were discovered in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand, according to authorities.
Rose, who attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, was home on break while pursuing his childhood dream of serving in the military. Rose recently became a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard.
Dustin Rose, 19, a Citadel cadet, was pursuing his childhood dream of serving in the military when he was killed. (GoFundMe)
Police say the suspect is considered “armed and dangerous” and urged the public not to approach him, but instead call 911.
Childhood friends Dustin Rose, left, and Samson Campbell, right, were fatally shot in a vacant Florida lot as police search for a suspect. (DeLand Police Department)
According to Florida state law, it’s possible for the teen to be charged as an adult once he is arrested. A prosecutor can decide whether a minor will be tried as an adult, depending on the offense.
It was not immediately clear if the teen would be charged as an adult in this case.
News Media has reached out to the Volusia County State Attorney’s Office.