Three men, who found themselves stranded due to car trouble, fell victim to a tragic fate in Florida. The families of the deceased allege that the trio was stalked from afar before being fatally shot by an individual with a lengthy criminal history, often referred to as a “frequent flyer” within the justice system.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Fox News Digital, the families recounted that the men had embarked on a trip to Central Florida to attend the renowned Mecum Car Show, celebrated as the world’s largest collector car auction. During their stay at an Airbnb, the suspect reportedly observed them from a distance before striking.
“There were no previous interactions between the men and this individual; they were senselessly murdered in what appears to be a random and tragic act,” the families expressed.
The grim scene unfolded in the Indian Point subdivision when the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to several 911 calls about gunshots around 12:14 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the lifeless bodies of three men lying in front of the residence, each bearing fatal gunshot wounds.
The victims have been identified as Robert Luis Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan; his brother, Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio; and James John Puchan, 69, also from Columbus. The sorrowful news has left their families and communities in mourning.
The victims were identified as Robert Luis Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan; his brother Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio; and James John Puchan, 69, also of Columbus.
The men, according to the family statement, were preparing to travel home on Saturday but were forced to extend their stay due to rental car trouble. The “random” shooting happened as they were standing outside the residence waiting for a replacement rental car to arrive.
The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, who lived next door to the rental property.
According to the sheriff’s department, authorities observed Bojeh flee to his residence shortly after the shooting, where he was later detained and found with two firearms. He has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
Bojeh had multiple prior encounters with the criminal justice system before Saturday’s deadly shooting, including a 2021 case in which he was charged with attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and aggravated battery after allegedly shooting at a person and random vehicles in a Kissimmee gas station parking lot.
Court records obtained by Fox News Digital show Bojeh was later found not guilty by reason of insanity in that case.
Additional records show Bojeh had prior arrests for felony drug possession and misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence, reflecting years of repeated contact with law enforcement.
Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, was booked into the Osceola County Jail on three counts of premeditated murder. (Osceola County Jail)
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized the legal loopholes that allowed Bojeh’s prior release.
“Across the country, we see violent criminals getting to walk free, back into society, because of insanity defenses,” Uthmeier told Fox News Digital.
Uthmeier is now calling on the Florida Legislature to narrow the insanity defense to ensure violent offenders stay confined in either prison or mental institutions.
“We won’t tolerate leftist prosecutors releasing murderers and violent criminals to hurt our families,” he said.
Bojeh was arrested in connection with a previous shooting incident in 2021, but was later “acquitted by reason of insanity,” according to court records obtained by WKMG-TV. (Osceola County Sheriff’s Office)
Bojeh was denied bond during his first court appearance on Sunday. The investigation remains active as authorities work to confirm if the recovered weapons were used in the murders.
“There is no threat to the community, as a suspect of these horrific and senseless murders has been caught and arrested by Osceola County deputies,” Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said.
