On January 28, 2024, Palm Bay, Florida, saw a series of fatal shootings that left four people dead. The sequence began with a domestic disturbance at the home of Brandon Kapas and his grandfather, 78-year-old William Michael Kapas, who was shot and killed there. The suspected gunman, identified as 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, then fled and went to other nearby homes, where he killed two more people, Father Robert Bob Hoeffner, a retired priest with strong ties to local law enforcement and firefighting communities, and his sister Sally Hoeffner.

Palm Bay police pursued Kapas after the initial disturbance. During the pursuit two officers were wounded by gunfire; officers later engaged the suspect and fired multiple rounds, killing him. Authorities say investigators are still probing motives and questioning witnesses; detectives noted Kapas had been struggling with mental health issues after his mother’s death, which may have been a factor. The community and faith leaders have publicly mourned the losses.

If anyone knew William Kapas or has information about his last known movements or the disturbance that preceded his killing, please come forward.