A Florida man has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of three tourists outside a short-term rental home in a popular Kissimmee vacation neighborhood near Disney theme parks, authorities said. The incident has shaken the central Florida tourism corridor, an area known for its family-oriented accommodations and steady flow of out-of-state visitors.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old man on three counts of murder after deputies responded to reports of gunfire late Friday night. The victims were found outside a rental property in a residential area frequently used by tourists visiting nearby attractions. Emergency responders pronounced all three individuals dead at the scene.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the suspect was taken into custody at his nearby residence without incident. Investigators also recovered two firearms from the home, which are now being examined as part of an ongoing forensic investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether either weapon was used in the killings and to establish a definitive motive.
Blackmon described the crime as “horrific and senseless,” emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to the community. He said deputies believe the attack was premeditated and random in nature, adding that there was no known prior dispute between the victims and the accused.
According to the sheriff, the victims had no connection to the suspect beyond living in close proximity during their stay. “There was no conflict between these people,” Blackmon said. “This was random, and it happened to be the person who lived next door.”
Two of the victims were identified as brothers Robert Luis Kraft, 69, of Holland, Michigan, and Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio. The third victim, James John Puchan, 68, was described as a close family friend from Ohio who had traveled with them. Officials said the men were visiting the area as tourists and had been staying at the rental property for a short vacation.
Investigators have not released further details about the moments leading up to the shooting or the exact timeline of events. Detectives continue to interview witnesses, review surveillance footage from the area, and analyze physical evidence collected at the scene and from the suspect’s home.
Court records show the accused had previous interactions with law enforcement. In 2021, he was arrested in Kissimmee after allegedly firing a weapon at a person and at vehicles in a gas station parking lot, an incident that left one man injured. Sheriff Blackmon described the suspect as a troubled individual with a documented history of violent behavior.
Authorities said the investigation remains active as they work to build a comprehensive case for prosecution. The sheriff’s office urged anyone with additional information to come forward, while offering condolences to the victims’ families as they cope with the sudden loss.
The case has renewed concerns about gun violence in tourist-heavy neighborhoods and the safety of short-term rental areas that attract visitors from across the country. Deputies said increased patrols will remain in the area as the investigation continues.
