Jamiesfeast – According to local police and the Diocese of Orlando, a retired Catholic priest, who was well-known, was one of the three victims who were fatally shot by a Florida man on Sunday.
According to a statement from the Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD), the gunman responsible for the incident has been identified as Brandon Kapas, a 24-year-old. After engaging in a gunfight with the police, Kapas was fatally shot by the officers. The PBPD further mentioned that two officers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire but are anticipated to fully recuperate.
On Monday night, Newsweek contacted PBPD and the Diocese of Orlando via email and Facebook, seeking their comments.
In Palm Bay, Florida, officers from the Palm Bay Police Department swiftly responded to a residence on Forgal Avenue Northeast shortly after 2 p.m. on Sunday.
According to a statement shared on Facebook by the PBPD, officers tried to engage in a conversation with Kapas as he was leaving the residence when they arrived at the scene. However, he was not cooperative and did not follow the verbal commands given by the officers.
Authorities have identified the individual who was tragically killed by Kapas as his own grandfather, William Kapas.
During the update on the case on Monday, PBPD confirmed the discovery of two more deceased individuals at a different location. Local station WOFL reported that the victims were identified as Robert Hoeffner, a retired priest from St. Joseph Catholic Community, and his sister, Sally Hoeffner. According to investigators, the deaths of the Hoeffners are believed to be connected to Brandon Kapas.
According to The Tampa Bay Times, a family member informed the police that Kapas was in possession of a significant amount of weapons. During the investigation, authorities discovered what they referred to as an “arsenal” in a vehicle that Kapas had been operating.
During a news conference on Monday, Chief Mariano Augello stated that the PBPD did not disclose a potential motive for the shooting or the reason behind the presence of multiple weapons inside Kapas’ vehicle. However, Chief Augello emphasized that the actions taken by the officers successfully averted a potentially more catastrophic and devastating incident.
According to investigators, the Hoeffners met their unfortunate demise just before Kapas made his way to his grandfather’s residence to attend a birthday celebration.
The PBPD is currently investigating the relationship between Kapas and the Hoeffners.
Robert Hoeffner, a devoted priest who recently marked his 50th anniversary in the priesthood, has decided to retire from his long-standing service at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palm Bay, as stated on the diocese website.
According to the Diocese of Orlando’s Bishop John Noonan, the Hoeffners met a tragic end.
In a heartfelt statement, Noonan expressed deep admiration for Father Hoeffner’s unwavering dedication to serving the people of God. “Father Hoeffner truly embodied compassion and humility in his priesthood,” Noonan shared. The void left by his departure will be keenly felt, as his grace-filled presence will be sorely missed. With a sense of solace, we take comfort in the knowledge that Father Hoeffner and his sister have been warmly received by the Lord, enveloped in His boundless mercy and love.