Police in DeLand, Florida, are searching for a 17-year-old suspect wanted in the fatal shootings of Citadel cadet Dustin Rose and his childhood friend Samson Campbell. Authorities secured an arrest warrant charging the teen with two counts of second-degree murder. Investigators have warned that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous and urged the public not to approach him. The victims were found in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand after they were last seen together on surveillance video.
| 1) | Police identify a teenage suspect |
| 2) | Victims were found after being seen together |
| 3) | Cadet was home from military college |
| 4) | Authorities issue public safety warning |
| 5) | Adult prosecution remains undecided |
Police identify a teenage suspect
The DeLand Police Department said it had obtained an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old Florida resident in connection with the deaths. The warrant lists two second-degree murder charges, one for each victim. Police announced the development as the search for the suspect continued on August 4, 2026.
The teen has not been reported as arrested, and authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence supporting the allegations in the available information. The case remains an active homicide investigation. Members of the public who have information about the suspect or the killings are being asked to contact police rather than intervene themselves.
Victims were found after being seen together
Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, were childhood friends, according to police. Surveillance footage showed the two walking together on a sidewalk at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. They were last seen in that footage the evening before their bodies were discovered.
Police said the pair was found dead the following day in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand. The available account identifies the deaths as fatal shootings, but does not provide further details about the sequence of events, a possible motive, or the location where the shooting occurred. Investigators continue to seek information that could clarify what happened between the last sighting and the discovery.
Cadet was home from military college
Rose attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina and was home on break when he was killed, according to police. He had been pursuing a long-held ambition to serve in the military and had recently joined the South Carolina Army National Guard.
His military studies and National Guard membership formed part of the circumstances authorities shared about his life. The available information does not indicate that the investigation is connected to his military service. Campbell was identified as Rose’s childhood friend, and both men were together in DeLand before their deaths.
Authorities issue public safety warning
Police have described the wanted teen as “armed and dangerous.” That warning means officials are asking residents not to approach, confront, or attempt to detain him. Instead, anyone who sees the suspect or has relevant information should call 911.
“Armed and dangerous.”
The warning was issued while officers continued the manhunt in the DeLand area. Authorities have not released additional identifying details in the available report. The public safety guidance is intended to prevent another confrontation while investigators work to locate and arrest the suspect.
Adult prosecution remains undecided
Florida law may allow a prosecutor to seek adult charges against a minor depending on the alleged offense. Because the suspect is 17, the case could involve a decision about whether he is prosecuted as an adult, but officials had not announced that determination.
The current warrant specifies second-degree murder charges, while the Volusia County State Attorney’s Office had not clarified whether the teen would ultimately be charged as an adult. That decision is separate from the ongoing effort to locate and arrest him. Further court and prosecutorial action will determine how the case proceeds.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 17-year-old suspect is wanted on two second-degree murder counts. |
| 2 | Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell were found dead in a downtown DeLand vacant lot. |
| 3 | The friends were last seen together at about 6 p.m. on July 28. |
| 4 | Police have warned that the suspect may be armed and dangerous. |
| 5 | It was not immediately known whether the teen would be prosecuted as an adult. |
Summary
DeLand police are pursuing a 17-year-old suspect accused of killing Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell. The two friends were last seen together on July 28 and were found dead the following day in a vacant lot. Police have obtained a warrant for two second-degree murder charges and are urging the public to avoid contact with the suspect. The investigation and the question of adult prosecution remain ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the victims?
Dustin Rose, 19, was a Citadel cadet and recent member of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Samson Campbell, 18, was his childhood friend.
What charges does the suspect face?
Police obtained an arrest warrant charging the 17-year-old suspect with two counts of second-degree murder.
Where were the victims found?
They were found dead in a vacant lot in downtown DeLand, Florida, the day after they were last seen together.
What should the public do if it sees the suspect?
Police say the suspect is armed and dangerous and have instructed the public not to approach him. Anyone with information should call 911.