Police in DeLand, Florida, are searching for a 17-year-old suspect accused of killing Citadel cadet Dustin Rose and his childhood friend Samson Campbell. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant charging the teen with two counts of second-degree murder. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and police have urged residents not to approach him. Rose and Campbell were found dead in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand after they were last seen together on July 28.
The case remains active as investigators continue the search and work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Under Florida law, the suspect could potentially be prosecuted as an adult, although it was not immediately clear whether that decision had been made.
| 1) | Police identify a teenage suspect |
| 2) | Victims were found in a downtown lot |
| 3) | Investigation follows the victims’ last known movements |
| 4) | Authorities warn the suspect may be dangerous |
| 5) | Adult prosecution remains unresolved |
Police identify a teenage suspect
The DeLand Police Department announced that investigators had secured an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old in connection with the deaths. The warrant lists two counts of second-degree murder, one for each victim. Police have not reported that the suspect has been taken into custody, and the manhunt was continuing at the time of the update.
The alleged involvement of a minor adds a legal question to the criminal investigation. Authorities have not publicly provided further details about the evidence supporting the warrant or described a possible motive for the shootings.
Victims were found in a downtown lot
Rose, 19, and Campbell, 18, were found dead in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand on July 29, according to police. The two were childhood friends and had been together the previous evening. Their deaths prompted a public search for the person authorities believe was responsible.
Dustin Rose was a cadet at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. He was home on break and had recently become a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard while pursuing his long-standing goal of military service.
Investigation follows the victims’ last known movements
Surveillance footage showed Rose and Campbell walking together on a sidewalk at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. The video provides investigators with a documented account of their movements before they were found dead the next day.
Police have not released a complete timeline of events between the recorded sighting and the discovery of the bodies. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the shooting and are seeking information that could help locate the suspect.
Authorities warn the suspect may be dangerous
Police described the 17-year-old as armed and dangerous. They instructed members of the public not to approach or attempt to confront him, emphasizing that anyone who sees the suspect should contact emergency services instead.
“Armed and dangerous.”
The warning reflects the immediate public-safety concern created by an outstanding warrant in a double-homicide investigation. No details were provided about the weapon authorities believe the suspect may possess.
Adult prosecution remains unresolved
Florida law allows a minor to potentially be charged as an adult depending on the alleged offense and the prosecutor’s decision. Because the suspect is 17, prosecutors may review the case before determining how it will proceed in court.
It was not immediately clear whether the teen would be prosecuted as an adult. The Volusia County State Attorney’s Office had been contacted for information, while police continued efforts to locate the suspect.
| Number | Key point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 17-year-old is the subject of an arrest warrant alleging two counts of second-degree murder. |
| 2 | Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell were found dead in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand. |
| 3 | The pair was last seen together on surveillance video at about 6 p.m. on July 28. |
| 4 | Police have warned that the suspect may be armed and dangerous. |
| 5 | It remains unclear whether the suspect will be prosecuted as an adult. |
Summary
The DeLand investigation centers on the fatal shootings of two friends and an outstanding warrant for a 17-year-old suspect. Police are seeking the teen and have issued a public warning not to approach him. The victims’ last known movements were captured on surveillance video, while the legal status of any future prosecution remains pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the victims?
Dustin Rose, 19, was a Citadel cadet and South Carolina Army National Guard member. Samson Campbell, 18, was Rose’s childhood friend.
What charges does the warrant list?
The arrest warrant lists two counts of second-degree murder against a 17-year-old suspect.
What should the public do if they see the suspect?
Police have urged the public not to approach the suspect and to call 911 instead because he is considered armed and dangerous.
