by Kissimmee, FL – Three tourists were shot and killed outside a vacation rental in a neighborhood popular with Walt Disney World visitors after their neighbor allegedly opened fire in what authorities described as a “cold-blooded” and random attack.
The suspect, Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, was arrested Saturday and charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the killings, Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon announced during a press conference.
Incident Overview
Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired around 12:14 p.m. Saturday at a rental property located on Indian Point Circle in the Indian Hills subdivision of Kissimmee, a community filled with short-term vacation homes near Disney-area attractions.
When a deputy arrived at the scene, authorities say he discovered three men suffering from gunshot wounds, lying in the yard of the rental home. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims Identified
Sheriff Blackmon identified two of the victims as brothers Robert Lewis Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan, and Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio. The third victim was described as their 68-year-old friend from Ohio, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of his next of kin.
Authorities said the three men were visiting the area as tourists and were staying together at the rental property.
Timeline of Events
Investigators learned that the trio had planned to leave the area but were stranded due to car trouble, forcing them to extend their stay by an additional day. Another individual who had been staying with the group had already left the property the day before the shooting, Blackmon said.
Within about an hour of the deadly gunfire, deputies located Bojeh inside his home next door to the rental property and took him into custody without incident.
Details From Law Enforcement
Sheriff Blackmon emphasized that there was no known dispute or prior interaction between the suspect and the victims.
“It was cold-blooded, it was premeditated, there was absolutely no issues,” Blackmon said. “There was no conflict between these people. This was just random. And this happened to be the person who lived next door.”
Authorities executed a search warrant at Bojeh’s residence, where two firearms were recovered. Investigators are now working to determine whether either weapon was used in the killings.
According to reporting by ClickOrlando, Bojeh has had previous encounters with law enforcement, raising questions about how the situation escalated to such a violent outcome.
Suspect’s History Raises Concerns
Blackmon described Bojeh as a troubled individual and a “frequent flyer to the sheriff’s office.” Court records show Bojeh was previously arrested in 2021 after allegedly firing at a person and random vehicles in a Kissimmee gas station parking lot, an incident that left one man injured.
In that earlier case, Bojeh was later acquitted by reason of insanity, according to court documents.
“I can tell you he was a threat to that neighborhood all the time,” Blackmon said.
Ongoing Investigation
Despite the arrest, investigators say the motive behind the shootings remains unclear.
“As of right now, we have nothing,” Blackmon said. “Just looks like a random, but again, the investigation is ongoing. It’s fresh. It’s new. We’re just a little bit over 24 hours into it, so we’re trying to gather the facts.”
Detectives continue to review evidence, interview neighbors, and analyze forensic findings as they work to piece together what led to the deadly encounter.
Community and Public Safety Context
Kissimmee’s Indian Hills area is a busy tourist corridor, featuring golf courses and numerous short-term rental properties, and is located roughly 30 minutes from Walt Disney World. The shooting has heightened concerns about safety in vacation neighborhoods that frequently host out-of-state visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Law enforcement officials urged residents and visitors alike to report suspicious behavior and to remain alert, especially in high-traffic tourist zones.
Court Action
A judge ordered that Bojeh be held without bond at the Osceola County Jail, according to court records. He is expected to face prosecutors as the case moves forward.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting has left three families grieving and has shaken a community built around welcoming tourists. As investigators continue searching for answers, authorities say the case underscores the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of vigilance, even in areas considered family-friendly destinations. Share your experiences in the comments below.
