Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Keyan Rundel, 17, has been arrested by DeLand Police, and charged with two counts of murder in the slayings of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18. LEFT: DeLand Police Chief Jason D. Umberrger announces the arrest of Rundel.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DeLAND, Fla. -- The DeLand Police Department announced today the arrest of a 17-year-old DeLand resident in connection with the July 29 double homicide that claimed the lives of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18.
Keyan Rundell was taken into custody without incident Tuesday morning in Manatee County and transported to DeLand Police custody.
Russell is facing two counts of second-degree murder.
"I am incredibly proud of how hard my team worked," said Chief Jason D. Umberger. "Nearly 1,200 hours of personnel time was dedicated to this case in less than a week to find answers for these families."
Officers responded at approximately 10:40 p.m. on July 29 to a report of two deceased persons at a vacant industrial property at 213 West New York Avenue. Investigators identified Rundell as a person of interest by the following afternoon based on surveillance footage collected from the scene. The department worked with federal, state and local partners to build its case.
Execution of a search warrant late Saturday night yielded the clothing and e-bike investigators believe Rundell was wearing on the night of the murders, as well as digital evidence documenting his movements in the immediate aftermath. Rundell was not present at the time of the search warrant. Working with the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, investigators tracked Rundell to the West Coast.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office and Volusia County Sheriff's Office also provided critical assistance throughout the investigation.
"We hope that this arrest can bring some sense of justice to the families for the tragic loss of life that they are experiencing," Umberger said.
The Citadel offered the following statement regarding Dustin Rose, a cadet, and his family: "U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Ky:
It is with profound sadness that U.S. Army Cadet Command acknowledges the tragic passing of Cadet Dustin Rose, 19, of Deland, Florida. Cadet Rose was a dedicated member of our ROTC program at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and chose to serve his country as a soldier in the South Carolina Army National Guard. We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the Rose family, his loved ones, and his childhood friend Samson Campbell's family during this period of unimaginable grief.
Cadet Rose represented the very best of our nation's future military leadership—possessing a servant's heart, a passion for service, and an unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s freedoms."
The Citadel offered the following statement regarding Dustin Rose, a cadet, and his family: "U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Ky:
It is with profound sadness that U.S. Army Cadet Command acknowledges the tragic passing of Cadet Dustin Rose, 19, of Deland, Florida. Cadet Rose was a dedicated member of our ROTC program at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and chose to serve his country as a soldier in the South Carolina Army National Guard. We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the Rose family, his loved ones, and his childhood friend Samson Campbell's family during this period of unimaginable grief.
Cadet Rose represented the very best of our nation's future military leadership—possessing a servant's heart, a passion for service, and an unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s freedoms."
Investigators have not established a motive at this time.
Umberger said the victims and suspect knew each other and met on the evening of July 29, and that an altercation preceded the killings.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests are possible as investigators continue to examine whether others assisted in the crime or helped conceal Rundell's location.
Community members with information are encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7400 or submit tips anonymously through their CrimeWatch portal.
Case Summary:
On the night of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, childhood friends Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, met with an acquaintance, 17-year-old Keyon Jaydan Rundell, in a concealed industrial lot behind the Athens Theatre at 213 W. New York Ave. in downtown DeLand, Florida.
The meeting resulted in a violent altercation. Both Rose and Campbell were shot multiple times and were discovered deceased at the scene the following evening, July 29. Authorities believe one of the victims' mothers discovered the bodies and placed the emergency call.
The Investigation and Arrest:
The DeLand Police Department , alongside the FBI and the Volusia Sheriff's Office SWAT team, logged over 1,200 hours tracking leads. Key developments in the manhunt included:
• Surveillance Footage:
Investigators utilized video footage tracking a person of interest riding an e-bike to and from the crime scene.
• Property Raid:
On Aug. 1, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on Loughton Street, recovering the e-bike and clothing tied to the shooting. Rundell had already fled the immediate area.
Apprehension:
On Aug. 5, 2026, the US Marshal's Service Task Force Rundell to a property in Ellenton (Manatee County), Florida, where he was arrested without incident.
Legal Proceedings & Potential Charges:
Rundell was booked into a Manatee County jail facility awaiting extradition back to Volusia County. State Attorney R.J. Larizza of Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit announced intentions to charge Rundell as an adult and seek the maximum allowable punishment under state law. Prosecutors are also evaluating whether to elevate the initial second-degree murder charges to a more severe offense.
DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger noted the investigation remains highly active. Authorities are actively pursuing anyone who may have assisted Rundell in planning the crime, concealing evidence, or evading law enforcement.
The Victims:
• Dustin Rose, 19: A former resident of DeLeon Springs, Rose was home on break from The Citadel
in South Carolina, where he was an ROTC cadet. He was also an active member of the South Carolina Army National Guard.
• Samson Campbell, 18: A DeLand native who had recently relocated to Chicago, Campbell was back visiting his hometown at the time of his death.
About the Byline Writer: