A retired Catholic priest and his sister were shot dead in Florida by a 24-year-old man – who then shot dead his grandfather during a birthday party and wounded two police officers before he was killed, according to reports.
Palm Bay police responded around 2 p.m. Sunday to a domestic disturbance call at a residence on Forgal Avenue NE, where a birthday party was taking place, WESH reported, citing police Chief Mario Augello.
Brandon Kapas’ uncle told officers he was armed and had a gun in his vehicle, but before they could confront him, he shot and killed his grandfather, William Kapas, 78, according to the outlet.
Augello and family said the grandfather – who was visiting from Kentucky to celebrate his sister’s birthday – was killed as he chased the gunman to try to stop him from stopping the rampage in the community about 70 miles southeast of Orlando.
When police found Kapas, he quickly walked toward his vehicle and at least one officer used a Taser and a struggle ensued.
Brandon Kapas, 24, of Palm Bay, Florida, shot and killed a Catholic priest and his retired sister, and then shot and killed his own grandfather before he was killed by police, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office officials said.
After he managed to break free, two policemen were wounded in the shootout that killed Kapas, the chief said.
Police later found a “firearm” in the vehicle and learned that the vehicle did not belong to Kapas, Fox 35 Orlando reported.
Officers tracked the registered owner to a home on the city’s north side, where they found two dead people.
The dead have been identified as the Rev. Robert Hoeffner, a retired pastor, and his sister, Sally Hoeffner.
Robert “Bob” Hoeffner’s father was killed along with his sister. Florida Tech Catholic Campus Ministry
On Monday, Augello said the gunman had a relationship with both but the nature was unclear, according to NBC News.
“I lost my father. He is my role model. I am the man I am because of him,” William Kapas Jr. told Florida Today.
“He was very loving and will be greatly missed. Obviously, this is a very traumatic time for us. (Brandon) is my nephew,” he said.
Bishop John Noonan, who oversees the Diocese of Orlando and its 400,000 Catholics, issued a statement Monday about the disappearance.
“We mourn with the St. Joseph’s Catholic community in Palm Bay for the tragic loss of these four lives as we pray for the peace of their souls and extend our prayers to their families,” he wrote.
“Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served God’s people with compassion and humility. We will miss his gracious presence. We know he and his sister are received by God with mercy and love,” Noonan continued.
Police found a weapon in the vehicle used by the gunman. Palm Bay Police Department
“We also pray for both the police officers who were injured yesterday and our civil servants who look after our communities, and thank them in this difficult time,” he added.
One of the officers was wounded in the arm and the other was hit in the leg, Augello said, adding that they were both doing “OK.”
Augello described his officers as heroic and called the suspect a “potential active shooter” because so many weapons were found in the vehicle.
Hoeffner was mourned by members of the Saint Joseph Catholic Community. FOX 35 Orlando Two officers were injured during a shootout with Papas. FOX 35 Orlando
Top cops said his motive was unknown.
“We don’t know what triggered it,” Augello said, adding Kapas has a “criminal history” that includes driving under the influence and resisting arrest,” NBC News reported.
It was not clear whether he was referring to charges or convictions.
“Unfortunately. This is a condition that affects several families. It’s tragic, no matter how you look at it, and it’s tragic that our officers were shot protecting our community,” the chief said.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
