TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The scene outside Parrish Medical Center in Titusville is getting back to normal after police say a man opened fire, killing a patient and an employee.
Titusville police have arrested David Owens, 29, on two counts of premeditated murder.
Brevard County Court records show Owens has an extensive history of interactions with police, including issues with mental illness and substance abuse.
Titusville police said Owens opened fire just after 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. Investigators said Owens made his way to the third floor.
Owens is accused of shooting an 88-year-old patient Cynthia Zingsheim, in her room. Zingsheim was pronounced dead at the scene. Her neighbor said she moved into an assisted-living facility a couple of years ago.
"It was always a pleasure seeing her out there. We would talk periodically. Always had a pleasant smile. Pleasant words. Very concerned about people," said Charles Hickmon, who had known Zingsheim for almost a decade. He describes her as a caring woman.
Also killed was hospital employee Carrie Rouzer, 36. Her family said she picked up an extra shift to make up for lost wages while out for a medical procedure last month.
"They pulled me outside and said sit down. They said there was a shooting at the hospital tonight and your mother was shot and killed and she didn't make it," Casey Smith said.
Smith said that his mother is the kindest person he's ever met.
"Her job was to sit with those people. So, you know all she was trying to do is help everybody. You ask any of these people. That's all she ever did. She wouldn't hurt a fly," Smith said.
Owen's family told News 6 to contact his attorney for comment on the double homicide.