A Texas man, Jeremyah Campbell, has been arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder after allegedly traveling to Florida and killing his grandparents, George White (83) and Mary White (81).
According to authorities, Campbell sobbed uncontrollably when he was found by law enforcement and claimed that God told him to send his grandparents to him.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a home on Washington Street in Melbourne, Florida, around 8:45 p.m. on July 23, 2024. According to a probable cause affidavit, George White fled to a neighbor’s house after being shot in the chest, pleading for them to call 911.
The neighbor, upon hearing gunshots, opened the door to find George White inside. However, as she attempted to dial 911, she heard gunfire coming from inside her own door. George White died from his injuries at the hospital, and a 25-year-old granddaughter of the neighbor was injured but survived.
Deputies entered the White home and discovered Mary White, who had been shot in the face and hand, and she was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Campbell’s Bizarre Behavior and Arrest
After the shooting, authorities observed Jeremyah Campbell walking nearby, described as sobbing uncontrollably and shouting incoherent words. When approached by deputies, Campbell allegedly demanded to get his Porsche and was taken into custody.
While in the back of the police cruiser, Campbell allegedly shouted that God had told him to kill his grandparents, stating, “God told me to send my grandparents to him.” He then identified George White as his grandfather and reportedly stated, “Now Satan sees.
I am a valuable man of the Kingdom.” According to law enforcement, Campbell also made disturbing comments about his grandfather, saying he was “Going to take my butt. My manhood.”
Campbell refused to provide further information to detectives, and as of now, no clear motive has been publicly disclosed.
Campbell’s Journey from Texas to Florida
Campbell, 22, had recently driven 1,200 miles from his home in McKinney, Texas, to visit his grandparents in Melbourne, Florida, where the tragic events unfolded. He remains in Brevard County Jail without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 21, 2024.
Neighbor Accounts and Community Reaction
The incident has left the Melbourne community in shock, with neighbors describing the harrowing events that unfolded on the night of the shooting. Terry French, a neighbor, recounted how George White was frantically trying to get inside his home when he was shot.
“George was standing here inside the door, and we had it locked so nobody could get in,” French told local affiliate NBC WESH. “Somebody over in this area, I think, had a 9-millimeter, and he put these holes in the door.“
Residents heard multiple gunshots, with Shea Stewart, another neighbor, recalling, “Five gunshots, a pause, then the last one. Then, I heard the scream of a woman.” The community mourned the loss of the victims, with French describing George and Mary White as some of the best neighbors he had ever known, noting, “George would do anything for you.“
This shocking crime has left the Florida community reeling, with many trying to understand how a grandson could allegedly murder his own grandparents and claim religious justification for his actions.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Campbell’s actions and are working to uncover the full truth behind the murder.
