PALM BAY, Fla. — Two additional individuals, including a retired Catholic priest, were found dead on Sunday in a series of shootings that left the suspect’s grandfather fatally wounded and two officers with minor injuries, authorities confirmed.
The 24-year-old suspected gunman, Brandon Kapas, was killed by police.
It is believed that Kapas shot and killed his grandfather, William Kapas, following a disturbance at their Palm Bay home. The bodies of retired St. Joseph Catholic Community Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner and his sister, Sally Hoeffner, were later found by officers, who attributed the homicides to Kapas.
Father Hoeffner had retired in 2016 after serving at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bishop John Noonan of the Orlando Diocese expressed his condolences, stating, “We mourn with the St. Joseph Catholic community in Palm Bay over the tragic loss of these four lives as we pray for the repose of their souls and extend our prayers to their families.”.
The shooting took place in what is normally a quiet neighborhood in Palm Bay. Officers responded to a call regarding a domestic disturbance and encountered Kapas, who then fled to nearby homes. Two rounds of gunfire were exchanged, resulting in injuries to two Palm Bay officers. The officers returned fire and subsequently located the bodies of Father Hoeffner and his sister.
Palm Bay police Chief Mariano Augello emphasized the impact of the tragic event on multiple families and expressed his gratitude for the officers who were wounded while protecting the community.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents have been called in to assist with the investigation.