Teen Arrested for Murder of Citadel Cadet and Friend

Authorities in Florida have arrested a 17-year-old male accused of fatally shooting Dustin Rose, a Citadel cadet, and his childhood friend, Samson Campbell. The incident occurred on July 29 in DeLand. According to the DeLand Police Department, Rose and Campbell were found dead at a vacant lot around 10:40 p.m. The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended the suspect after an arrest warrant was issued.

Connections and Criminal History

The suspect allegedly has a significant criminal history. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood detailed the charges against the teen, which include assault with a deadly weapon, multiple counts of battery, and drug possession. Chitwood criticized the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Monique Worrell, for not prosecuting these offenses effectively. He suggested that the justice system’s lack of accountability may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Criticism of Legal System

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Sheriff Chitwood both criticized Worrell for a perception of leniency in her office’s handling of juvenile cases. Uthmeier emphasized that lenient crime policies are ineffective. Worrell responded that public safety requires thoughtful leadership rather than political rhetoric. She clarified that the most recent case involving the suspect did not fall under her jurisdiction.

Future Legal Proceedings

The 17-year-old faces two counts of second-degree murder. R.J. Larizza, State Attorney of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, stated that the suspect might be charged as an adult. Additionally, the suspect’s father was arrested as a felony accessory after the fact.

Community Impact

“When they took him they took the very best part of me. We are devastated,” said Rachel Rose, Dustin’s mother.

The Citadel President Gen. Frank McKenzie highlighted Dustin Rose’s contributions, describing him as a team leader and valued community member at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Rose was also a member of the South Carolina National Guard.

Details Surrounding the Incident

Samson Campbell, originally from DeLand, had been visiting the area to grieve a recent family loss. He and Rose were in DeLand to spread the ashes of Campbell’s recently deceased dog. Campbell was staying with Rose’s grandparents at the time of the incident.

The case has underscored the impact of legal decisions on community safety and prompted discussions about prosecutorial practices in the juvenile justice system.