Dustin “DJ” Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18, were found dead in a vacant lot in DeLand, Florida, after their relatives spent hours trying to reach them. Both young men had been shot multiple times.

Rose was a Private First Class in the South Carolina Army National Guard and a student at The Citadel. His family stated he dreamed of building a life in military service.

Campbell returned to Volusia County, where both grew up, following the death of his family’s beloved 8-year-old dog, Hinata. Rose traveled from South Carolina to help his friend spread the ashes of the dog.

DeLand police reported that the two friends were last seen walking together on Tuesday evening before they were discovered in a vacant lot near West New York Avenue. Authorities have not identified a suspect or explained the motive for their deaths.

Campbell’s aunt, Karen Chobin, described him as an unusually compassionate young man who saw the world differently and cared deeply for others. She also recalled that Rose was the kind of friend who knew exactly how to support someone in grief.

The victims were scheduled to return home: Rose was due back at school Tuesday, while Campbell planned to travel to Chicago that weekend. Instead, two families now face the heartbreaking task of preparing funerals.

The South Carolina National Guard expressed deep sorrow over the loss of PFC Rose and extended condolences to his family and fellow service members.

No explanation has been provided for why these two young men on a personal mission were shot repeatedly and left in a vacant lot.

Dustin Rose wanted to serve his country. Samson Campbell came home to honor a dog he loved.