Melbourne, FL – A 22-year-old man from Texas is facing two counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving over 1,200 miles to his grandparents’ home in Florida and fatally shooting them — later telling police that “God told him” to send them to Him, according to Brevard County authorities.
Terrifying Shooting Unfolds in Quiet Neighborhood
On the evening of July 23, deputies from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2500 block of Washington Street in Melbourne following a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they discovered a scene of chaos and tragedy.
George White, 83, had reportedly fled to a neighbor’s home, begging for help and asking them to call 911. As the neighbor rushed to make the call, gunshots rang out through the door, striking both George and the neighbor’s 25-year-old granddaughter.
George was hit in the chest and later died at the hospital, while the granddaughter suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Mary White Found Dead Inside the Home
When deputies entered the White residence, they found Mary White, 81, deceased in a breezeway, having suffered gunshot wounds to her face and hand. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say the shooter was Jeremyah Campbell, the couple’s grandson, who had recently driven from McKinney, Texas, to visit them.
Suspect Allegedly Had Religious Delusions
While investigating the crime scene, deputies encountered Campbell nearby, sobbing and speaking incoherently. He reportedly told officers he needed to “get his Porsche,” and was taken into custody without incident.
Inside the police cruiser, Campbell allegedly shouted:
“God told me to send my grandparents to Him.”
He later told detectives, “Now Satan sees. I am a valuable man of the Kingdom,” and made confusing references about his grandfather and “manhood.” He refused to provide a clear motive and stopped cooperating with authorities.
Neighbors Shaken by the Tragedy
Residents of the normally peaceful neighborhood described the shooting as shocking and traumatic. One neighbor, Terry French, recounted the moment George White fled to his home for safety:
“George was standing here inside the door… then the shots came through. He went in the bathroom… shut the door, and that was it.”
Another resident, Shea Stewart, told local station WESH:
“Five gunshots, a pause, then the last one. Then I heard the scream of a woman.”
French, who had known the couple for over 30 years, described them as kind-hearted and generous:
“George and Mary were the best neighbors I ever had. He’d do anything for you.”
Campbell Held Without Bond
Campbell remains in the Brevard County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 21. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether the charges could be upgraded or if mental health evaluations are underway.
What’s your take on how this case should proceed? Should mental health play a role in the trial? Share your thoughts in the comments.
