Brandon Bevel, a 31-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida, tragically lost his life on February 21, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. Bevel, along with 25-year-old Darien Sulph, was found shot to death inside a black Mercedes SUV on East Colonial Drive. The Orlando Police Department responded to reports of a crash into a bus stop in front of a Wendy's restaurant around 2:15 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Bevel and Sulph, who had been shot multiple times.
The initial investigation revealed that another vehicle had pulled up alongside their SUV, and an unknown number of suspects opened fire before fleeing the scene.
The incident occurred after Bevel and Sulph had traveled from Jacksonville to Orlando for a night out. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and a subsequent crash, describing the scene as chaotic with lights and sirens everywhere. The area, typically quiet, was left in shock by the violent attack. Flowers and balloons were later placed at the crash site as a memorial for the victims.
The investigation into the double homicide remains open and active. As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the Orlando Police Department has urged anyone with information to come forward. Detectives are particularly interested in any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything between 2:00 and 2:30 a.m. on the stretch of Colonial Drive between Maguire Boulevard and Hampton Avenue. Despite the ongoing efforts, the lack of surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts has made progress slow.
Brandon Bevel had a history of arrests in Jacksonville, with records showing 12 prior arrests. Darien Sulph also had a criminal record, including a notable arrest in 2014 on four counts of attempted murder related to a drive-by shooting, although those charges were later dropped. The backgrounds of both victims have added complexity to the investigation, as detectives explore potential motives and connections that could have led to their deaths.
The community and law enforcement continue to seek justice for Bevel and Sulph. The Orlando Police Department remains committed to solving the case, and the families of the victims hope for closure and accountability for those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
