DeLand, Florida — Police are searching for a 17-year-old suspect accused of killing a Citadel cadet and his childhood friend in a case that has shocked the DeLand community. Investigators say the suspect remains “armed and dangerous,” warning residents not to confront him as the manhunt continues.
The investigation centers on the deaths of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, whose bodies were discovered one day after they were last seen together.
Police Identify Teen Suspect in Double Homicide
The DeLand Police Department announced that detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for the 17-year-old suspect on two counts of second-degree murder.
Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released additional identifying information.
Police emphasized that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone who sees or recognizes him to call 911 immediately rather than attempting to make contact.
The search remains active as investigators work to locate the suspect.
Victims Were Last Seen Walking Together
According to investigators, Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell were last seen around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the two friends walking along a sidewalk in DeLand shortly before they disappeared.
The following day, authorities discovered both young men dead in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand.
Police have not publicly released details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting or discussed a possible motive as the investigation continues.
Citadel Cadet Was Pursuing Military Dream
Friends and family are mourning the loss of Dustin Rose, who was attending The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. According to investigators, Rose had returned to Florida while on a school break.
He had recently achieved another milestone by becoming a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard, moving closer to what loved ones described as his lifelong dream of serving in the military.
His death has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from those who knew him and from members of the military community.
Childhood Friendship Ends in Tragedy
Authorities said Samson Campbell, 18, was Rose’s childhood friend, and the two were together in the hours before they were killed.
Investigators have not indicated whether either victim knew the suspect or whether the shooting was believed to be targeted.
Detectives continue gathering surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing evidence to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the deadly incident.
Prosecutors Yet to Decide Whether Suspect Will Be Tried as an Adult
Under Florida law, prosecutors may seek to have a juvenile tried as an adult, depending on the nature and severity of the alleged offense.
Officials have not yet announced whether they intend to pursue adult prosecution in this case. For now, the arrest warrant remains outstanding as authorities continue searching for the suspect.
Police are asking anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately and avoid approaching the individual because of the potential safety risk.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should juveniles accused of violent crimes automatically face trial as adults, or should those decisions remain case-by-case? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
