Full Breakdown
DeLand Double Homicide: Arrest of 17-Year-Old Suspect in Shooting of Citadel Cadet and Friend
8/7/2026, 5:30:07 AM
Core Event
On July 29, 2026, two teenagers were found shot multiple times in a vacant lot behind the Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand, Florida. The victims were Dustin Rose, 19, a Citadel cadet and National Guard member, and Samson Campbell, 18, his childhood friend. Surveillance captured them walking together on July 28, 2026. A 17-year-old male, Keyan Jayden Rundell, was arrested on July 29, 2026 on two counts of second-degree murder.
Background & Context
Rose was on break from The Citadel; Campbell had returned to DeLand to spread a family dog’s ashes.
Timeline
- July 28, 2026 – Victims captured on surveillance.
- July 29, 2026 – Bodies discovered around 10:40 p.m.; arrest warrant issued for Rundell.
- July 30, 2026 – Investigators obtained additional footage of an unidentified person of interest.
- August 5, 2026 – U.S. Marshals arrested Rundell at a Super 8 motel in Ellenton, Florida.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Dustin Rose, 19; Samson Campbell, 18.
- Suspect: Keyan Jayden Rundell, 17.
- Charges: Two counts of second-degree murder.
- Police effort: Approximately 1,200 hours of investigative work.
Official Statements & Responses
- Police Chief Jason D. Umberger said the investigation involved the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.
- Gen. Frank McKenzie, President of The Citadel, called Rose “a valued friend and classmate.”
- U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Citadel alum, described the deaths as “shattered” and urged justice.
- State Attorney R.J. Larrizza said the case will be reviewed to determine whether to charge the suspect as an adult.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we do know is that these young men knew each other in some capacity and met up on Tuesday evening, July 28, at that location,” — Jason D. Umberger.
- “He answered the door and was taken into custody without incident,” — Randy Warren, Manatee County spokesman.
- “At this time we cannot speak to the exact motive, and we have limited information that points to why or for what reasons the three of them came together at the rear of 213 W.” — Jason D. Umberger.
On-the-Ground Reports
Family members discovered the bodies after a missed call. Karen Chobin, Campbell’s aunt, called the loss “a traumatic loss… devastating.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No motive has been publicly established; investigators have not explained why the three met at the concealed lot.
- The suspect’s prior criminal history was noted by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, but details were not released.
What’s Next
Rundell is being held in Manatee County jail pending extradition to Volusia County. Prosecutors will decide whether to try him as an adult, and police continue to seek information on possible accomplices.
