On September 17, 2023, Brian J. Ford, a 42-year-old resident of DeLeon Springs, Florida, was fatally shot by his neighbor, Edward S. Druzolowski, during a dispute over property boundaries. The incident occurred when Ford was trimming trees along the fence line between his and Druzolowski’s properties. Druzolowski, who was 78 years old at the time, confronted Ford and warned him to leave his property, threatening to shoot him if he did not comply.
According to Druzolowski's statement to the authorities, he pointed a gun at Ford and told him to get off his property. When Ford did not leave, Druzolowski pulled the trigger, but the gun clicked without firing on the first attempt. Ford continued to approach, and Druzolowski pulled the trigger again, this time shooting Ford. Druzolowski claimed he was scared for his life due to Ford's past criminal history and his reputation for being violent.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office received two 911 calls reporting the incident shortly after 7 p.m. One call was made by Druzolowski himself, and the other by Ford’s mother, who was frantic and urged dispatchers to hurry and arrest Druzolowski. The first deputies to arrive attempted life-saving measures, but Ford was pronounced dead at the scene.
Druzolowski was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail and is being held without bond. The investigation revealed that Ford was doing yard work for his 77-year-old mother at the time of the incident, and his 8-year-old son was present when the shooting occurred.
Brian J. Ford was born on October 24, 1980, in Wisconsin. He was known for his dedication to his family and his work, including his tenure at the Daytona Speedway. Ford was a devoted father to his children, Brian Jack Ford Jr., Orlando Brian Ford, and Andrew Clarence Ford, and was also close to his mother, Linda Lee Ford, and his sister, Becky Lynn Ford Herndon. A service to honor his life was held on September 30, 2023, at Baldwin Brothers in Ormond Beach, Florida.
