A retired Catholic priest and another individual were discovered dead on Sunday, marking the end of a series of violent incidents that resulted in the death of the suspect’s grandfather and minor injuries to two police officers. The suspect, 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, was fatally shot by the police.
The tragic events unfolded in Palm Bay, where Kapas allegedly shot his grandfather, William Kapas, after a domestic dispute at their residence. The police later found the bodies of retired Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner of the St. Joseph Catholic Community and his sister, Sally Hoeffner. The authorities have attributed these homicides to Kapas.
Father Hoeffner had retired in 2016 after a long tenure at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bishop John Noonan of the Orlando Diocese expressed his sorrow over the incident, extending his condolences to the St. Joseph Catholic community in Palm Bay. He mourned the loss of four lives and offered prayers for their souls and their grieving families.
The shootings occurred in a typically peaceful neighborhood in Palm Bay. The police were responding to a call about a domestic disturbance when they encountered Kapas. The suspect fled to nearby homes, leading to two exchanges of gunfire that injured two Palm Bay officers. The officers retaliated, and it was during this time that they discovered the bodies of Father Hoeffner and his sister.
Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello underscored the devastating impact of the incident on multiple families. He also expressed his gratitude to the officers who sustained injuries while safeguarding the community.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been called upon to assist with the ongoing investigation. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the focus now shifts to understanding the motives behind the shootings and ensuring justice for the victims.