A 22-year-old Florida man allegedly gunned down both of his grandparents during a violent rampage that also left a neighbor’s granddaughter wounded, authorities said.
Jeremyah Campbell has been charged with the murders of George and Mary White, his grandparents, in a brutal attack that unfolded Wednesday evening in West Melbourne, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
The deadly incident began around 8 p.m. when Campbell reportedly shot his 81-year-old grandmother multiple times inside the couple’s home. Moments later, his 83-year-old grandfather, George White, fled across the street in a desperate attempt to get help — but was chased down and fatally shot as well.
“Just after 8 p.m., an elderly gentleman came to a neighbor’s home asking for help, saying his wife had been shot,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey during a press briefing. “As he was pleading for help, more gunfire erupted.”
One of the stray bullets struck the 25-year-old granddaughter of the neighbor, Terry French, who was inside the home. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Speaking with local NBC affiliate WESH, French recounted the harrowing moment George White arrived at his doorstep pleading for assistance.
“George was standing inside the door. We had it locked, so no one could come in,” French recalled. “Then shots were fired through the door. George was hit and went into the bathroom, shut the door… and that was it.”
French said he had known George and Mary White for over 30 years, describing them as some of the best neighbors he’d ever had.
“George would do anything for anyone,” he said. “This is just heartbreaking.”
Nearby residents reported hearing a burst of gunfire, describing a terrifying scene.
“Five shots, a pause, and then one more,” said neighbor Shea Stewart. “Then I heard a woman scream.”
Campbell was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, and shooting into an occupied residence. He is currently being held in the Brevard County Jail, with a court appearance scheduled for Friday.
Sheriff Ivey said investigators are still working to determine a motive for the attack, which has stunned the quiet residential neighborhood.
