Two Childhood Friends, 18 and 19, Were Found Dead Days Before Police Arrested a Teen Suspect

"At this time, we can tell you that our police investigation has revealed that both male subjects were each shot multiple times," the DeLand police chief said.

Authorities say 17-year-old Keyan Jayden Rundell was arrested on August 5 in Manatee County on two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18.

Rose and Campbell grew up together in Volusia County before their lives took them in different directions. Rose, of DeLeon Springs, had been living in South Carolina, where he was studying Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Campbell, of DeLand, had recently moved to the Chicago area to live with his aunt, Karen Chobin. "These were very, very good boys that could have done really good in the world," Chobin said.

Family members expected the visit to be brief. "(Campbell) was supposed to be coming back this weekend, and (Rose) was supposed to be going back to school on Tuesday," Chobin said.

The aunt added that Campbell was staying with Rose's grandparents.

Their Last Known Movements Left Families Searching for Answers

While staying with Rose's grandparents, the two friends left together on Tuesday evening. A surveillance camera later captured what they were wearing during what would become their last confirmed sighting.

As the hours passed without hearing from them, concern grew among their loved ones. By the following night, family members began searching for the pair.

The Search Ended in a Place No One Expected

Around 10:40 p.m. on July 29, police responded after one of the teens' mothers found the two young men at a vacant industrial property at 213 W. New York Ave.

Authorities later clarified that, despite early reports, the property was not part of the nearby Athens Theatre. Both teenagers had been shot multiple times and were pronounced dead at the scene at 10:48 p.m.

Why They Had Returned Makes the Loss Even More Heartbreaking

Only after their deaths did family members share what had brought the childhood friends back to DeLand. According to Chobin, Campbell had returned home to spread the ashes of his family's 8-year-old dog, Hinata, after what she described as a traumatic loss.

Rose traveled from South Carolina to support his lifelong friend during that difficult time:

"It was a traumatic loss. It wasn't a passing of old age. It was awful. And then for this to be what he's welcomed with when he goes down there to mourn his loss is devastating," Chobin said.

How Detectives Identified a Suspect

As family members mourned, investigators worked around the clock to determine what had happened during the friends' final hours. Chief Jason Umberger later said the investigation consumed nearly 1,200 personnel hours in less than a week as detectives reviewed surveillance footage, collected physical evidence, and followed up on public tips.

"I am incredibly proud of how hard my team worked," Umberger said. "Nearly 1,200 hours of personnel time was dedicated to this case in less than a week to find answers for these families."

According to police, surveillance footage collected during the investigation helped detectives identify 17-year-old Rundell as a person of interest by the afternoon after the bodies were discovered.

Investigators then executed a search warrant at a residence roughly three miles from the crime scene. During that search, detectives recovered clothing they believe Rundell wore on the night of the killings, along with an e-bike they say he used to travel to and from the industrial property.

Authorities also said they collected digital evidence documenting the suspect's movements immediately after the shootings, strengthening the case before an arrest warrant was issued.

Although investigators said they have not determined a motive, Umberger said evidence indicates the suspect and both victims knew one another. "What we do know is that these young men knew each other in some capacity and met up on Tuesday evening, July 28, at that location," Umberger said.

Police added that an altercation preceded the fatal shootings.

How Investigators Followed the Trail to an Arrest

Working with the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, detectives tracked Rundell to Manatee County after learning he had left the area.

Authorities arrested the 17-year-old without incident at a Super 8 motel in Ellenton, where U.S. Marshals said he opened the door to his room before being taken into custody. He is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and is awaiting extradition to Volusia County.

Umberger credited the swift arrest to investigators, who devoted nearly 1,200 personnel hours to the case in less than a week. "I am incredibly proud of how hard my team worked," Umberger said. "Nearly 1,200 hours of personnel time was dedicated to this case in less than a week to find answers for these families."

The chief also thanked members of the community, noting that more than 30 tips were submitted during the investigation and played what he described as a "pivotal role" in helping detectives solve the case.

Although police believe Rundell was the only shooter, investigators said their work is far from over. Detectives are continuing to examine whether anyone may have helped conceal his whereabouts or otherwise assisted him after the killings.

Additional arrests remain possible as the investigation continues. "The families of Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell deserve justice," Umberger said.

State Attorney R.J. Larrizza said prosecutors are now reviewing how the case should proceed. "We typically charge these as adults," he said. "And we'll also look at whether or not second-degree murder is appropriate or for more serious charges."

Even with an arrest, investigators say one major question remains unanswered. Authorities have not identified a motive and continue working to determine what led to the altercation that ended the lives of the two childhood friends.

Loved Ones Remembered Two Friends Whose Lives Were Beginning

As investigators searched for answers, those closest to Rose and Campbell spoke instead about the lives the two friends had lived and the futures they believed still lay ahead.

Chobin said both teenagers possessed a kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them. "These were very, very good boys that could have done really good in the world," she said.

Remembering her nephew, Chobin described Campbell as "the kindest soul." "His brain was like a puzzle, but in the most beautiful way. He could just see things that other people couldn't and really cared with a level of compassion that people strive their whole lives to have," she said.

She also reflected on the friendship the two young men shared, saying Rose's willingness to return from South Carolina to support Campbell during a difficult time spoke volumes about his character.

"When (Campbell) was grieving the loss of his dog, that boy was there in such an emotionally intelligent way that goes far beyond his age of 19 years old," she said.

As she mourned the loss of both teenagers, Chobin also shared a message for the person responsible. "We beg you to consider the people that are home grieving the losses of the lives that you took, and may they realize that nothing that they gained from that situation was worth the life of those two boys," she said. "May they suffer with that knowledge for the rest of their lives."

Rose's family likewise remembered a young man who had dedicated himself to serving others. His aunt, Jaimie Scarola, said he had dreamed of serving his country through the military and had recently joined the South Carolina Army National Guard while attending The Citadel.

"He was willing to go to the front line and fight for our freedom, including the freedom of the one who took him from us," Scarola said.

She later added, "I feel like he was too young." Reflecting on what her family had lost, Scarola said, "You took him away from not only his family, but you robbed an entire country of a future soldier who didn't get to answer that call."

Tributes Poured In From Across Their Communities

The loss of the two young men prompted an outpouring of condolences from family, friends, classmates, elected officials, and military organizations.

The South Carolina National Guard also honored Rose in a statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pvt. 1st Class Rose. On behalf of the Soldiers, Airmen, and leadership of the South Carolina National Guard, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow service members during this difficult time."

The Citadel likewise mourned the loss of its cadet in a message to the campus community. President Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), described Rose as "a valued friend and classmate" who had been preparing to return to campus as a team leader.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace also shared a tribute to Rose on social media, offering condolences to his family, fellow cadets, and the broader Citadel community.

Rose's Golf Company remembered him in an Instagram tribute, writing, "Golf Company mourns the loss of one of our own, Dustin Rose. 🤍 You will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and all those who knew and loved you. Forever a golfball ⛳️"

Loved ones have also created separate GoFundMe campaigns to help both families with funeral expenses and other costs as they mourn the loss of the two young men.

Police continue to ask anyone with information about the case to contact the DeLand Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 386-626-7400 or submit an anonymous tip through the department's CrimeWatch portal.