Teen Wanted For Central FL Double Murders Arrested In Manatee: U.S. Marshals

ELLENTON, FL — A teen wanted for the double murders of two childhood friends in Central Florida was arrested Wednesday in Manatee County, the U.S. Marshals Service said in a news release.

A 17-year-old was identified Tuesday as the suspected shooter in the deaths of Samson Campbell, 18, and Dustin Rose, 19. The motive in the shooting was unclear.

The suspect, wanted by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of second-degree murder, was taken into custody the next day by the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, the news release said.

He was arrested at the Super 8 motel at 5218 17th Street E. in Ellenton, WESH said. He opened the door to his room and was taken into custody without incident.

The teen is being held at Manatee County Jail, awaiting extradition to Volusia County.

While the U.S. Marshals Service named the suspect, it’s Patch policy not to name minors who are accused of a crime unless they’re charged as an adult. It’s not known whether he was charged as a juvenile or an adult.

State Attorney R.J. Larrizza told WESH, "We typically charge these as adults. And we'll also look at whether or not second-degree murder is appropriate or for more serious charges."

Rose and Campbell, longtime friends, were found shot to death on July 29 in an industrial area in DeLand.

One of their mothers tracked their cell phone to the scene and found their bodies, News 6 reported.

Both teens had recently moved from the area. Campbell was living in Chicago, while Rose was studying at the Citadel and a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

The victims knew the suspect and met him on the evening of July 29, ABC 7 reported. There was an altercation before the fatal shootings.

Investigators found the clothing they believe the suspect wore the night of the killings, as well as the e-bike he rode to meet the victims, reports said.

The shooter was also reportedly caught on surveillance video, which led to investigators obtaining a search warrant for a home three miles away from the murder scene. Evidence taken from that home allowed investigators to identify the teen as their primary suspect.

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