Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, July 31, 2026 —

DeLAND, FL – Authorities are investigating the deaths of two young men who were discovered fatally shot in a vacant lot in DeLand. The victims have been identified as a 19-year-old Citadel cadet and a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

The DeLand Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed the discovery of the two individuals. Details surrounding the incident, including the exact location within the vacant lot and the timeline leading up to the discovery, have not yet been fully released by law enforcement.

One of the deceased has been identified as a cadet at The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, South Carolina. He also held a position within the South Carolina Army National Guard. The second victim’s identity and affiliations have not yet been publicly disclosed.

At this stage, the DeLand Police Department has not provided information regarding potential suspects or a motive for the shootings. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.

Further information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.



Story summarized from the original created by FOX.35.Digital.Staff@fox.com (FOX 35 Digital Staff) on www.fox35orlando.com, see more information here.

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