Florida Man Arrested for Second-Degree Murder After Shooting Neighbor Trimming Trees
September 18, 2023
DELEON SPRINGS, FL – A 78-year-old Florida man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing his neighbor during a dispute over tree trimming.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in DeLeon Springs, a town located about 45 miles north of Orlando, when Brian Ford, 42, was trimming tree limbs along the fence line between their properties. According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Ford’s neighbor, 78-year-old Edward Druzolowski, confronted him and demanded that he leave.
Druzolowski reportedly threatened to shoot Ford, and when Ford refused to comply, Druzolowski allegedly shot him. Law enforcement authorities were notified of the shooting at 7:13 p.m.
In a statement to the police, Druzolowski’s wife claimed that her husband had only intended to scare Ford, but the situation escalated rapidly. According to court documents, Druzolowski admitted to approaching Ford and ordering him to leave his property. Ford responded with profanities, prompting Druzolowski to point his gun at him.
Ford allegedly approached Druzolowski despite being warned, prompting Druzolowski to fire his weapon. He claimed to have fired two warning shots before shooting Ford, fearing for his own safety.
Druzolowski justified his actions by expressing concerns about Ford’s reputation and the potential for harm. However, investigators stated that they found two knives near Ford’s body, indicating that he may have presented a threat.
The 78-year-old suspect also cited his health condition, osteoporosis, as a contributing factor to his fear of being physically overpowered.
Druzolowski, who had not spoken to Ford in several years prior to the incident, did not consider calling the police, believing they would not respond adequately. He said he felt compelled to confront his neighbor as he believed it was the only course of action available.
He was taken into custody by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and has been charged with second-degree murder. If convicted, Druzolowski could face significant prison time for taking the life of his neighbor.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, examining the details surrounding the dispute and the shooting. The case has raised questions about the appropriate use of force and the potential consequences of escalated conflicts between neighbors.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder for individuals to seek peaceful resolutions to disputes and to rely on law enforcement professionals when faced with potentially dangerous situations.
As the investigation unfolds, the community of DeLeon Springs mourns the loss of Brian Ford and hopes for justice to prevail in this tragic case.