In DeLeon Springs, Florida, a disagreement over trimming trees near a shared property line led to a fatal incident.
Edward Druzolowski, 78, is now in custody at the Volusia County Jail, facing a charge of second-degree murder. He is accused of fatally shooting his neighbor, Brian Ford, 42.
The incident occurred along the fence line between the two houses on Alameda Drive.
Ford was pruning tree branches along his mother’s property when Druzolowski approached him claiming he was on his property.
According to the sheriff’s office, Druzolowski admitted to investigators that he warned Ford he would shoot if he did not leave the area. When Ford stayed put, Druzolowski, who told deputies he felt in danger, acted on his threat.
After receiving two 911 calls shortly after 7 pm on Sunday, September 17, local deputies arrived at the scene. They attempted to assist Ford before paramedics took over. However, Ford did not survive despite their combined efforts and was declared dead at the scene.
According to the affidavit, one 911 call came from the shooter’s wife, in which she said that her husband went outside to scare a neighbor with a gun and ended up shooting him. She said that her husband didn’t want to shoot him – just to scare him.
Ford’s mother, Linda Ford, 76, said that her eight-year-old grandson was standing near his father and witnessed the shooting.
Druzolowski remains in custody without the possibility of bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
In Florida, a conviction for second-degree murder can lead to a minimum sentence of 16 and a half years to a potential life sentence.