Three American tourists died in central Florida while on their way to a car show in a "senseless" shooting committed by a man with a history of violence, the victims' families reported on Tuesday.
Authorities in Osceola County, which borders Orlando, reported the arrest of Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, for the alleged triple homicide of the men, identified by their families as Robert Kraft, of Michigan, and Douglas Kraft and James Puchan, of Ohio.
The victims were heading to the Mecum Car Show in the city of Kissimmee, one of the largest auctions for car collectors, when they had an issue with their rental car. While waiting for help, the suspect allegedly approached and shot them, according to the family's account.
"There were no known interactions between the man and these individuals before the incident; he approached them and senselessly murdered them. These three wonderful men did not deserve this," a joint statement from the families read.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office reported the "swift" arrest of Ahmad Jihad Bojeh after finding the three bodies with gunshot wounds in a residence in the Indian Point area, where the men had rented a short-term apartment.
"There is no threat to the community, as Osceola County officers have apprehended the suspect responsible for these horrible and senseless murders," stated Sheriff Christopher Blackmon.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack, but local media reported that police had previously arrested Bojeh in 2021 following a shooting at a store on a gas station, where he allegedly fired randomly at cars, injuring one person. However, he was released due to "temporary insanity."
The families of the deceased also omitted further details, though they thanked the work of local authorities.
"Our families have been left with an unimaginable and unexpected loss that cannot be put into words. This was a random, tragic act."
