Retired Catholic Priest and His Sister Found Dead in Florida

A well-known retired Catholic priest was among the three victims fatally shot by a Florida man on Sunday, according to local police and the Diocese of Orlando.

The 24-year-old gunman, identified as Brandon Kapas, was killed by police after exchanging gunfire with officers, according to a statement by Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD). The department said two officers were wounded in the shootout with Kapas but are expected to make a "full recovery."

Newsweek reached out via email and Facebook on Monday night to PBPD and the Diocese of Orlando for comment.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday, PBPD officers responded to a residence on Forgal Avenue Northeast in Palm Bay, Florida.

Officers attempted to speak with Kapas, who was exiting the residence when they arrived at the scene and "refusing to comply with officer's verbal commands," PBPD said in the statement, which was shared on Facebook.

"Shortly thereafter, an exchange of gunfire occurred, injuring two of our officers," the police department said. "Additional officers responded to the area and pursued the suspect who fatally wounded another person before being engaged by law enforcement and subsequently killed."

The person killed by Kapas before he was fatally shot by police was identified as his grandfather, William Kapas, authorities said.

While providing an update on the case Monday, PBPD confirmed that officers found two additional people dead at a separate location. The two victims were identified as retired St. Joseph Catholic Community priest Robert Hoeffner and his sister, Sally Hoeffner, local station WOFL reported. Investigators believe the Hoeffners' deaths are connected to Brandon Kapas, according to the outlet.

A family member told police that Kapas was heavily armed, and investigators discovered what they described as an "arsenal," in a vehicle Kapas had been driving, according to The Tampa Bay Times.

PBPD did not provide a possible motive for the shooting or why Kapas had so many weapons inside a vehicle. "What I can tell you is that our officers' actions yesterday prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening," Chief Mariano Augello said during a news conference Monday.

After tracking the registration of the vehicle that Kapas had been driving, investigators discovered the bodies of the retired priest and his sister at their home, according to PBPD.

Investigators believe the Hoeffners were killed shortly before Kapas went to his grandfather's home for a birthday party.

PBPD said investigators are trying to uncover the connection between Kapas and the Hoeffners.

Robert Hoeffner, who celebrated 50 years in the priesthood last year, retired after serving at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palm Bay, according to the diocese website.

Bishop John Noonan, of the Diocese of Orlando, issued a statement regarding the Hoeffners, saying the pair were "tragically murdered."

"Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility," Noonan said in a statement. "We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love."