A tragic incident occurred in Palm Bay, Florida on Sunday, January 28, 2024, leading to the deaths of four individuals, including the suspect, a retired Catholic priest, his sister, and the suspect’s grandfather. Additionally, two Palm Bay Police officers were injured in the incident.
According to the Palm Bay Police Department, officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Forgal Avenue NE around 2 p.m. The suspect, 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, was reportedly causing disruptions during a family birthday celebration. Kapas’ uncle, who called 911, suggested that Kapas might possess a weapon.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Kapas quickly moved towards his vehicle, seemingly in an attempt to escape. Despite clear police directives, Kapas did not comply. An officer utilized a Taser to try to subdue him, but it seemed ineffective. A subsequent altercation between Kapas and at least one officer resulted in a gunfire exchange, injuring two officers, Stephen Ball and Nicholas Franze.
After the officers were shot, Kapas fled, which instigated a police pursuit that ended with Kapas being fatally wounded.
At the scene, officers discovered Kapas’ 78-year-old grandfather dead from a gunshot wound. A large cache of weapons was found in Kapas’ vehicle. Investigators traced the registration of the vehicle Kapas was driving to a different location.
Officers then visited the registered address, which belonged to Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner, a retired priest from the St. Joseph Catholic Community, and his 69-year-old sister, Sally Hoeffner. Both Hoeffner siblings were found deceased. Authorities suspect they were killed prior to the incident at the Kapas residence. The connection between Kapas and the Hoeffners remains a focus of the ongoing investigation.
The community mourns the loss of Father Hoeffner, who is remembered for his 50 years of dedicated service in the priesthood. Chrissy Kruppenbach, Minister to the Sick at St. Joseph’s Church, lauded Father Hoeffner’s ongoing commitment to his community, even after his retirement.
During the incident, neighbors expressed their shock and fear. One resident is considering relocating due to the disturbance caused by the gunfire and subsequent police response. Charles Rigsby, the Hoeffners’ next-door neighbor, remembered the siblings for their generosity and community involvement.
The Diocese of Orlando released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss and offering condolences to the victims’ families. Prayers were extended for the recovery of the injured officers and gratitude was expressed for public servants who ensure community safety.
At a news conference on Monday, Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello underlined the severity of the situation, stating, “Our officers’ actions… prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening.” Both officers injured in the gunfight sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with one already discharged from the hospital and the other recuperating from a successful surgery.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has assumed control of the investigation due to the nature of the case. The criminal history of Brandon Kapas, which includes DUI and resisting arrest, is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the motive behind the shootings.
