A 22-year-old Florida man is facing first-degree murder charges after police say he fatally shot both of his grandparents and injured a neighbor during a violent altercation that unfolded at a home on Washington Avenue in Brevard County.
Jeremyah Campbell, 22, was arrested and booked into the Brevard County Jail without bond after officers responded to reports of a shooting and found a disturbing scene. According to authorities, Campbell allegedly shot and killed his grandmother, 81-year-old Mary White, inside their home.
His grandfather, 83-year-old Rev. George White, reportedly fled to a neighbor’s house seeking help—but was also fatally shot when Campbell fired through the neighbor’s locked door.
The 25-year-old neighbor, who had been calling 911 at the time, was struck by gunfire but survived with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Affidavit Details Signs of Drug-Induced Psychosis
According to the arrest affidavit, responding officers found Campbell in a distressed and altered mental state. He was reportedly “sobbing uncontrollably and shouting a stream of incoherent words,” claiming that “God told him to send his grandparents to him.”
Officers also noted that Campbell appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance—his pupils were dilated, he was sweating profusely, and he made bizarre references to a “Cyclops” and “Satan.”
A family member later told investigators that an argument had occurred earlier that day between Campbell and his grandparents, who had confronted him about being high on an unidentified drug. That confrontation reportedly escalated into deadly violence.
Legal Implications and Possible Insanity Defense
Legal experts say the case could raise questions about Campbell’s mental state at the time of the shooting and whether he may attempt an insanity defense or claim drug-induced psychosis. The legal threshold for such a defense in Florida requires proof that the defendant was unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the offense.
Prosecutors, however, are expected to pursue multiple counts of premeditated murder, particularly given the fatal shooting of both grandparents and the injury of a bystander.
Campbell remains in custody without bond as he awaits his first court appearance.
Community in Mourning
Rev. George White, a respected community leader and faith figure, and his wife Mary were both well-known and beloved in their Brevard County neighborhood. Community members have expressed shock and grief following the violent incident.
“This is a tragedy on so many levels,” one neighbor told local media. “Rev. White was a man of peace. It’s hard to imagine this kind of violence happening in our quiet neighborhood.”
