Authorities Seek "Armed and Dangerous" Teen Suspect in Double Homicide of Citadel Cadet, Friend

Authorities in Florida are actively searching for a teenage suspect implicated in a double homicide that claimed the lives of a military college student and his childhood friend.

The DeLand Police Department has announced an arrest warrant has been secured for a 17-year-old individual, who faces two counts of second-degree murder.

Tragic Discovery in Downtown DeLand

The victims, 19-year-old Dustin Rose and 18-year-old Samson Campbell, were last observed on surveillance footage walking along a sidewalk on the evening of Tuesday, July 28, around 6 p.m. Their bodies were tragically discovered the following day in a vacant lot situated in downtown DeLand, according to police reports.

Dustin Rose was a student at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina and was home on break at the time of the incident. He was reportedly pursuing his lifelong aspiration of military service and had recently enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Public Safety Warning and Legal Considerations

Law enforcement officials have characterized the suspect as "armed and dangerous" and have strongly advised the public against attempting to approach him. Instead, individuals are urged to immediately contact 911 with any information regarding his whereabouts.

Under Florida state law, it is possible for a minor accused of serious crimes to be charged and tried as an adult. The decision to prosecute a minor as an adult typically rests with a prosecutor, depending on the severity and nature of the alleged offense. At present, it remains uncertain whether the 17-year-old suspect in this particular case will face charges as an adult.