A devastating series of events occurred in the city of Palm Bay, Florida on Sunday, January 28, 2024, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a retired Catholic priest, his sister, and the suspect’s grandfather.
Two Palm Bay Police officers were also injured in the incident.
The Palm Bay Police Department reported that the incident occurred after officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a home on Forgal Avenue NE around 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Brandon Kapas, 24, a resident of the home, was reportedly disruptive and destructive during a family birthday party. A 911 call from Kapas’ uncle indicated that Kapas might be armed.
Upon police arrival, the suspect moved rapidly towards his vehicle in an apparent effort to flee.
Kapas ignored police directives, and an officer deployed a Taser to try and subdue him, but it appeared to have no impact on him.
An argument broke out between at least one officer and Kapas, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Two police officers were injured during the gunfight.
Kapas managed to break free but was subsequently shot and killed by the police.
Augello noted that Kapas fled after officers were shot, prompting a police chase that ended in Kapas being mortally wounded.
At the scene of the disturbance, Kapas’ 78-year-old grandfather was found dead from a gunshot wound, and police discovered a significant number of weapons in Kapas’ car.
Investigators traced the registration of the vehicle that Kapas was driving to a different address.
Detectives traveled to that address, which was the home of Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner, a retired St. Joseph Catholic Community priest, and his 69-year-old sister, Sally Hoeffner.
Hoeffner and his sister were found dead. Police believe they were killed shortly before the conflict at the Kapas’ house.
The nature of the connection between Kapas and the Hoeffners is still under investigation.
Father Hoeffner is being remembered for his 50 years of compassionate service in the priesthood.
Chrissy Kruppenbach, Minister to the Sick at St. Joseph’s Church, highlighted Father Hoeffner’s ongoing commitment to his community, even in retirement.
Gabrielle Bolton, a neighbor, described the shock and fear experienced by residents during the incident.
Another resident, contemplating moving due to the event, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the disturbance caused by the gunfire and subsequent police activity.
Charles Rigsby, the Hoeffners’ next-door neighbor, recounted his interactions with the siblings, painting a picture of their involvement and kindness in the neighborhood.
The Diocese of Orlando released a statement mourning the loss and expressing condolences to the families of the victims. They also extended prayers for the two injured police officers and gratitude to public servants for their role in community safety.
Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello, at a news conference on Monday, emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “Our officers’ actions… prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening.”
Augello added that both of his officers injured in the gunfight received non-life-threatening injuries, with one already discharged and the other recovering from successful surgery.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has taken over the investigation due to the nature of the case. Brandon Kapas’ criminal history, including DUI and resisting arrest, is being scrutinized as part of the ongoing investigation to understand the motive behind the shootings.