Robert Hoeffner, Sally Hoeffner Obituary – Palm Bay Police are currently investigating the motive behind the murders of a grandfather, a priest, and the priest’s sister. The suspect, 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, was killed in a shootout with officers during the weekend. Authorities believe that Kapas is responsible for shooting and killing the victims. According to a witness named Sally, Kapas was seen at the house where the victims held bible study, driving a little silver car and visiting once or twice a week.
The incident unfolded when police received a call about a domestic disturbance during a birthday party at a residence on Forgal Avenue at around 2:07 p.m. on Sunday. Officers arrived at the scene and attempted to confront Kapas, but he refused to cooperate. After an officer tried to tase him, Kapas opened fire and injured two officers, identified as Stephen Ball and Nicholas Franze. Both officers are expected to recover from their injuries. Following the shooting, Kapas allegedly killed his grandfather, William Kapas Sr., who was attempting to intervene.
The grandfather had traveled from Kentucky to celebrate his sister’s birthday. Kapas managed to escape, but police eventually located and killed him. The registration of the car he was driving led investigators to a location on Kamloops St. at around 7:05 p.m. on Sunday, where they discovered the bodies of the priest and his sister. Several weapons were also found inside the car. David Little, a neighbor, described the victims as friendly and well-liked in the neighborhood.
The Florida Tech Catholic Campus Ministry shared pictures of Father Hoeffner, taken in April 2023 during his 50th anniversary celebration in the priesthood. Little expressed his concern upon seeing the crime scene vans arrive, indicating that something terrible had occurred in the area. The investigation is ongoing, and the community remains on edge.