DeLand double homicide: Sheriff, prosecutor clash over teen suspect

Key Points:

• Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood publicly criticized the juvenile justice system for repeatedly giving second chances to Keyan Rundell, the 17-year-old accused of a double homicide in DeLand, citing a history of dropped or dismissed charges dating back to 2021.
• Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell responded by accusing Chitwood of using incomplete information and political rhetoric, emphasizing the confidentiality of juvenile court proceedings and the legal limitations on prosecution decisions.
• Worrell highlighted that the most recent case referenced by Chitwood occurred outside her jurisdiction and stressed that prosecutors can only pursue charges when sufficient evidence exists, defending the integrity of the prosecutorial process.
• Both officials acknowledged the tragedy of the deaths and the need for a juvenile justice system focused on prevention and intervention, with Worrell noting the accused’s interactions with the system began at age 12.
• The accused faces two counts of second-degree murder, and Worrell plans to hold a news conference to address the broader issues surrounding juvenile justice and the case.