Surveillance footage captures deadly confrontation at Florida vape shop.
Surveillance footage shared with WEAR News by a nearby business shows the moments leading up to a deadly shooting outside the Smoke Shop in DeFuniak Springs last week.
Office of the City Marshal, DeFuniak Springs Police Press Release
July 5 at 1:41 PM
Update on July 4th Homicide Investigation
On July 4, 2023, at approximately 5:45 P.M., the DeFuniak Springs Police Department was notified of two individuals in the parking lot of La Rumbas with gunshot wounds. Officers were on scene within minutes and ensured first aid was being provided.
With the help of eyewitnesses and video surveillance officers developed a suspect description. Deputies with the Walton County Sheriff Office observed an individual matching the description entering Walgreens. Deputies entered Walgreens and located 32-year-old Sipho Jumaane Bennett in the bathroom. Bennett was detained and found to be in possession of a firearm.
Through the investigation it has been determined that Bennett and the two victims had been in a verbal altercation at the Smoke Shop located at 1310 U.S. Highway 331 South. Bennett opened fire striking one victim in the chest who later died from his injuries. The other victim was hit in the arm and is expected to recover.
Bennett is charged with Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Shooting into an occupied conveyance. He is being held in the Walton County Jail.
We would like to thank the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida and the State Attorney Office 1st Judicial Circuit for their assistance with this case.