Two Teenagers Remembered After Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell Found Dead in DeLand

 The quiet streets of downtown DeLand became the center of a heartbreaking investigation after two young lives were discovered lost in a tragedy that has shaken families and an entire community. Dustin “DJ” Rose and Samson Campbell, two teenagers with futures ahead of them, were found fatally shot, leaving loved ones searching for answers and struggling to understand the devastating loss.

Authorities said the victims were discovered Wednesday night in a vacant lot along West New York Avenue in downtown DeLand. The DeLand Police Department identified the victims as 19-year-old Rose of DeLeon Springs and 18-year-old Campbell of DeLand. Family members became concerned after they were unable to reach the two young men for several hours, eventually locating them and alerting authorities. Investigators later confirmed that both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths have deeply affected those who knew them, especially after family members revealed the reason behind their visit to DeLand. According to relatives, the two friends had returned to the area to honor the memory of Hinata, a beloved family dog whose recent death had caused significant emotional pain. Their trip was meant to be a moment of remembrance, but it ended in an unimaginable tragedy.

Campbell’s aunt, Karen Chobin, said the teenagers had traveled back to DeLand during a difficult time for their family. She explained that Campbell wanted to visit his father after the loss of the family’s dog, while Rose traveled from South Carolina to support his longtime friend. The pair had planned to spend time together, spread Hinata’s ashes, and return home within days before their lives were tragically cut short.

Beyond the circumstances of their final days, both young men were remembered for their ambitions and connections to others. Rose had been attending The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, while also serving as a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Following his death, the organization expressed condolences to his family, friends, and fellow service members, honoring the loss of a young soldier.

Campbell had also recently begun a new chapter away from Florida, living in the Chicago area with his aunt since December. Although both teenagers had moved away from Volusia County, their roots remained connected to the community where they grew up and where many friends and relatives continue to mourn their passing. Those who loved them are now remembering the friendship, memories, and potential they carried.

The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine who was responsible for the deadly shootings. Police Chief Jason Umberger said investigators have obtained surveillance footage showing the clothing the teenagers were wearing before they were found. Authorities hope the information will help identify witnesses or anyone who may have seen something connected to the case.

As DeLand continues to grieve, officials are urging anyone with information to come forward while investigators pursue answers. The loss of Dustin Rose and Samson Campbell has left families facing an unimaginable heartbreak and a community hoping for justice. Their memories will remain with those who knew them as loved ones continue honoring two young lives taken far too soon.