PALM BAY, Fla. – The St. Joseph Catholic community in Palm Bay is in mourning after a tragic incident over the weekend. The Diocese of Orlando confirmed that Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner and his sister, Sally, were found murdered at a home in Palm Bay, leading to a shooting investigation.
Reports indicated that the tragedy unfolded after a domestic disturbance at a home on Forgal Avenue NE, where Brandon Kapas, 24, was reportedly causing trouble during a birthday party. This led to a series of events that resulted in the deaths of Father Hoeffner, his sister Sally, and others.
The Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello provided details about the incident at a news conference, explaining how officers were called to the scene and encountered Kapas, who had already shot and killed his grandfather and engaged in a shootout with police.
The chief also mentioned that two officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire and one remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Additionally, investigators discovered an “arsenal of weapons” inside a vehicle linked to the incident, leading to the discovery of two more deceased individuals at another location in the city.
The tragic loss of Father Hoeffner and his sister has deeply affected the St. Joseph Catholic community, leaving friends, neighbors, and former parishioners in shock and disbelief. Father Hoeffner, a retired priest, was remembered for his dedicated service to the community and the church, with many expressing their grief and disbelief over the senseless violence that occurred in their neighborhood.
As the community comes to terms with this devastating event, law enforcement officials continue to investigate and bring to light the details surrounding the motive for the shootings and the resulting loss of life.
The impact of this tragedy has reverberated throughout the Palm Bay community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of support and sympathy for the families and friends of the victims, as well as for the injured officers and the entire community affected by these events.