Two Childhood Friends Found Shot to Death Behind Historic DeLand Theater, Police Search for Answers
DELAND, Fla. — A heartbreaking double homicide has shaken the Central Florida community after two lifelong friends were found shot to death behind a historic downtown theater, prompting an intensive investigation as detectives work to determine who killed the young men and why. The victims, identified as 19 year old Dustin Rose and 18 year old Sampson Campbell, were discovered in a parking lot near North Florida Avenue and West Indiana Avenue, adjacent to the historic Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand.
As of Thursday, investigators with the DeLand Police Department say they have no suspects or persons of interest, and the motive behind the killings remains unknown.
Mother’s Search Ends in Tragedy
According to investigators, the devastating discovery was made by the mother of one of the victims after she became concerned when her son failed to return home. Using the last known location of his cellphone, she tracked the signal to the downtown parking lot, where she found both young men lying behind a white truck. Authorities said both Rose and Campbell had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders pronounced the two friends dead at the scene.
Friends Since Childhood
Investigators said the victims were lifelong friends and natives of Volusia County who had recently relocated from the area. The pair had been seen together shortly before the shooting, with surveillance footage from Tuesday evening capturing them side by side. Detectives are now working to reconstruct their movements during the hours leading up to their deaths. Police are particularly interested in identifying anyone who may have seen or spoken with either victim between Tuesday evening and Wednesday night.
Detectives Working to Establish Motive
Despite collecting evidence from the crime scene, investigators have released few details regarding what may have led to the fatal shooting. Police have not indicated whether the victims specifically traveled to the downtown parking lot to meet someone or whether they encountered another individual after arriving. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and processing forensic evidence. Authorities have also not disclosed whether the victims were targeted or whether investigators believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.
Community Mourns Two Young Lives Lost
The killings have stunned residents of DeLand, where the Athens Theatre and surrounding downtown district are well-known gathering places for community events, restaurants, and nightlife.
Friends and family are mourning the loss of two young men whose lives ended in an act of violence that investigators have yet to explain. The case has renewed concerns about gun violence affecting young adults across Florida while highlighting the emotional toll these investigations take on families forced to search for missing loved ones.
Police Seeking Witnesses
The DeLand Police Department is urging anyone who saw Dustin Rose or Sampson Campbell, or who had contact with either victim between Tuesday evening and Wednesday night, to come forward.
Investigators believe even seemingly minor details could prove critical in establishing a timeline and identifying those responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.
Investigation Remains Active
No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The DeLand Police Department continues to investigate the double homicide, and officials say additional information will be released as new evidence becomes available. For now, investigators are focused on answering the question that continues to haunt the victims’ families: who killed two lifelong friends, and what led to the deadly encounter in downtown DeLand?
