PALM BAY, Fla. – Across town from where he last served the Catholic church at St. Joseph’s, Father Bob Hoeffner’s neighbors Tuesday said the church placed two crosses at his doorstep.
One was in Father Bob’s memory.
The other was in memory of the retired priest’s sister, Sally Hoeffner, whose body police said was also discovered at their Palm Bay home Sunday after Brandon Kapas, 24, drove their car to a birthday party at his family’s house and ultimately, shot and killed his grandfather before police killed Kappas.
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David Little lived across the street from the Hoeffners and he said he had also seen Kapas at the house with Father Bob and his sister.
“I believe they held Bible study there once or twice a week,” Little said. “Either youth counseling or the Bible study for the church that he was involved in.”
The Orlando diocese said Hoeffner recently celebrated 50 years as a priest.
According to St. Joe’s website, Kapas had family who worked at the parish.
“Evidently, the car that he was caught driving was registered to Bob, so he might of been helping him out,” Little said. “I don’t believe he stole it. I’ve never seen it over there other than when he was there for Bible study.”
The police said in addition to the three people Kapas killed, he also wounded two officers who are now recovering.
Police are still looking for the motive behind the shootings.
“I think that’s what everybody in the neighborhood would like to know is why,” Little said. “Why kill them? Was it over money,” he asked. “What the motive is is a mystery right now, but I’m sure they’ll get to the bottom of it, eventually.”
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