Full Breakdown
DeLand Double Homicide: Teen Suspect, Alleged Drug-Deal Motive, and Political Fallout
8/9/2026, 4:51:09 AM
The Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
On July 29, police found Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, behind the Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand, Florida. Both had multiple gunshot wounds; Rose held a pepper-spray canister and a loaded 9 mm handgun was in the crook of Campbell’s arm. A plastic bag near the victims tested presumptive positive for cannabis.
Keyan Jayden Rundell, 17, was arrested in Manatee County on July 28 and charged with two counts of second-degree murder. His father, Daytron Etkins, 41, was arrested in Lake County and charged with accessory after the fact. Rundell was ordered to remain in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice for 21 days. Etkins’ bond was set at $100,000 with conditions prohibiting contact with his son or state witnesses, random drug testing, and firearm possession.
Alleged Motive and Investigation Findings
A 14-page police affidavit, based on a confidential source, says the shooting may have stemmed from a drug-deal gone wrong. The source alleges Rundell was selling marijuana to Rose and Campbell at a vacant lot on July 28 and that the two teens intended to rob him. One teen allegedly brandished a gun, the other pepper spray. Rundell reportedly claimed the “bigger boy” tried to take his marijuana, prompting him to fire.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect on an e-bike stopping at the northwest corner of the Athens Theatre, manipulating his waistband, and entering the area where the bodies were later found. After the shooting, the suspect was seen wiping his face and spitting, behavior police linked to pepper-spray exposure. A search of the suspect’s residence uncovered an e-bike matching the footage, a grill with burned plastic and clothing, and evidence that Etkins later returned to retrieve the firearm.
Legal Actions and Custody
- Keyan Rundell – charged with two counts of second-degree murder; detained by the Department of Juvenile Justice for at least 21 days.
- Daytron Etkins – charged with accessory after the fact; bond $100,000; prohibited from contacting his son, witnesses, possessing firearms, and subject to random drug testing.
Official Statements & Responses
DeLand Police Capt. Jason Umberger noted that a definitive motive had not been established at the time of the affidavit release. He added that his office had repeatedly sought collaboration with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, which had declined to engage.
Criticism & Opposition
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier labeled the handling of the case “neglect of duty and incompetence,” asserting that “soft on crime policies do not work.” Both officials framed the incident as evidence of systemic leniency toward juvenile offenders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The State Attorney’s Office cannot ethically or lawfully pursue charges when the available evidence is insufficient to support prosecution.” — Monique Worrell, circuit state attorney
- “Soft on crime policies do not work!” — General James Uthmeier
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell.
- Suspect: Keyan Rundell.
- Father/Accessory: Daytron Etkins.
- Prior juvenile record for Rundell (as reported): at least nine distinct offenses from 2021-2022, including aggravated battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and drug possession.
What’s Next
Etkins is scheduled to appear before a Lake County judge on Saturday, while Rundell remains in juvenile detention pending further hearings. State Attorney Worrell indicated she will continue seeking coordination with the Department of Juvenile Justice to address systemic gaps.
