Teen Arrested After Citadel Cadet and Friend Found Dead

Suspect Apprehended for Double Murder

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the deaths of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18. Authorities discovered their bodies on July 29 around 10:40 p.m. in DeLand, Florida. An arrest warrant was issued for the teenager, and the U.S. Marshals Service successfully apprehended him.

Background of the Suspect

Police revealed that the suspect possessed a substantial criminal history. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood detailed offenses ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to drug possession, stretching back to 2021. Most charges were reportedly dropped or resulted in probation.

“We’re talking about aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, multiple counts of battery, criminal mischief, vehicle theft, trespassing, drug possession, another aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer, all dating back to 2021,” Chitwood said.

Victims’ Profiles

Dustin Rose attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina and belonged to the South Carolina National Guard. He was on a break at home when the incident occurred. His mother, Rachel Rose, stated Dustin was pursuing his dream of serving in the military. Samson Campbell, a local from DeLand, was in the area to mourn the loss of a family dog, according to his aunt, Karen Chobin.

Criticisms of Judicial Practices

Sheriff Chitwood accused State Attorney Monique Worrell of failing to prosecute the suspect adequately. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized Worrell’s approach, claiming it endangers the judiciary’s integrity.

Worrell countered these arguments, emphasizing thoughtful leadership over politically motivated rhetoric. She noted that recent cases concerning the juvenile did not occur in her jurisdiction.

Potential Charges and Developments

Despite currently facing two counts of second-degree murder, the teen suspect may be tried as an adult. The father of the suspect also faces charges of felony accessory after the fact.

Campbell and Rose’s deaths occurred in a vacant lot, where surveillance footage showed them walking together the evening prior. Rose’s family, alongside the community, is left to process this tragic loss.