Florida: Random Killer of Three Had Previously Fired at Strangers, Later Deemed Mentally Ill

Image: Jihad Watch

Three men who had been waiting outside a rental home after experiencing car trouble were allegedly stalked from afar before being fatally shot in a shocking and seemingly random act of violence in Central Florida, according to statements from the victims’ families. The accused gunman, described as a “frequent flyer” within Florida’s criminal justice system, is believed to have targeted the men without any prior interaction.

The victims had traveled to Central Florida to attend the renowned Mecum Car Show, the world’s largest collector car auction, and were staying at an Airbnb in the Indian Point subdivision. Family members said the suspect appeared to observe the men from a distance before approaching and opening fire. They emphasized that there was no prior relationship or confrontation between the victims and the alleged shooter.

“There were no known interactions between the men and this individual prior to the incident,” the families said in a joint statement shared with Fox News Digital. “They were approached and senselessly murdered. This was a random, tragic act that has devastated our families.”

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:14 p.m. on Saturday after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, authorities discovered three men lying dead in front of the residence, each suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

The victims were identified as brothers Robert Luis Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan, and Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio, along with their friend James John Puchan, 69, also of Columbus. According to their families, the men had planned to return home on Saturday but were forced to extend their stay after encountering issues with their rental vehicle.

The fatal shooting occurred as the men stood outside the Airbnb, waiting for a replacement rental car to arrive. What should have been a routine travel delay instead turned into a deadly encounter.

Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, a resident of the neighboring home. Investigators said Bojeh fled back to his residence shortly after the shooting. He was later taken into custody without incident, and deputies recovered two firearms from the home. Bojeh has since been charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

Law enforcement officials revealed that Bojeh had a lengthy history of prior interactions with the criminal justice system. In a 2021 case, he was charged with attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and aggravated battery after allegedly opening fire on a person and multiple random vehicles at a gas station parking lot in Kissimmee.

Court records obtained by Fox News Digital show that Bojeh was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity in that case. Additional records indicate he had also been arrested in the past for felony drug possession and misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence, highlighting a pattern of repeated encounters with law enforcement in the years leading up to Saturday’s deadly shooting.

The incident has left families grieving and raising renewed questions about public safety, repeat offenders, and the handling of individuals with violent histories within the criminal justice system.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)