Frank Doerwald Sr., an 80-year-old white male, was tragically murdered on July 10, 2021, in Crestview, Florida. Known for his friendly and active nature, Doerwald frequently visited Shoal River Wayside Park, also known as Duggan Park, where he enjoyed meeting new people and engaging in conversations with strangers. On the day of his death, Doerwald's body was discovered in the park, with his car keys missing. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 1:30 p.m. reporting the incident.
The investigation quickly identified 22-year-old Jonny Ray Kirk as the primary suspect. Kirk, who had a history of violent behavior, was later killed in a shootout with Escambia County Sheriff's Office deputies. According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Kirk showed a blatant disregard for human life, which was evident in his actions leading up to and including the murder of Doerwald. Before the murder, Kirk had kidnapped two 16-year-old girls in Walton County and forced them to drive him to a motel.
Doerwald, an Army veteran, had moved to Crestview from Long Island, New York, to live with Kelly Cipriani after his son passed away in May 2020. Cipriani, who was separated from Doerwald's son at the time, maintained a close relationship with Doerwald and affectionately referred to him as “Pops.” She described him as a sweet and kind man who found joy in simple routines, such as grabbing breakfast from McDonald's and enjoying it at the park.
The community was deeply affected by Doerwald's death, with many expressing their sorrow and disbelief over the senseless act of violence. A GoFundMe page was started to help cover the costs of Doerwald's cremation, and Cipriani shared heartfelt memories of the man she considered her adopted father. Despite the tragic circumstances, Cipriani expressed understanding towards Kirk's family, acknowledging that they too were grieving after Kirk was killed by deputies.
The case highlighted the random and unpredictable nature of violence, leaving the community to grapple with the loss of a beloved member. Doerwald's death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have on those around them.
