PALM BAY, Fla. – Authorities in Palm Bay, Florida, held a news conference on Monday to discuss a deadly shootout that occurred over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of three victims and one suspect, as well as injuries to two officers.
The incident began on Sunday afternoon when police responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Forgal Avenue NE. Upon arrival, officers encountered a 24-year-old man named Brandon Kapas, who was reportedly armed and uncooperative. Despite attempts to subdue him with a stun gun, a struggle ensued, and gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of Kapas and another victim, who was later identified as his grandfather.
In addition to the initial victims, two more individuals were found dead at a different location associated with the suspect. The victims were identified as a priest, Rev. Robert Hoeffner, and his sister, Sally Hoeffner. The relationship between the suspect and these additional victims remains unknown at this time.
During the news conference, Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello praised the actions of the officers involved in the incident, stating that their intervention prevented a potentially more devastating outcome. He also emphasized that the investigation into the case is ongoing and described it as a fluid situation.
The shootout has left the community in mourning, particularly for the beloved members of the local Catholic community who were among the victims. Fr. Randall Meissen, Director of Florida Tech Catholic Campus Ministry, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Rev. Hoeffner and his sister, describing them as a light to the community.
According to Augello, a search of Kapas’ vehicle revealed an arsenal of weapons, raising concerns about his intentions. The discovery of the additional victims and the arsenal of weapons has added complexity to the investigation, as authorities work to unravel the connections and motives behind the tragic event.