DeLeon Springs, FL- On the morning of September 18th, 2023, Edward Druzolowski confronted 42-year-old Brian Ford as he was trimming trees along a fence line. Druzolowski held a gun behind his back as he approached Ford and demanded he leave his property. Ford was said to have responded with “Mind your business.” Reportedly, Druzolowski then fired an empty round at Ford, who did not back down and started to approach him. Druzolowski then fired a live round directly into Ford’s chest, killing him. 

The Police then received two 911 calls at around 7:13 pm, one was from Ford’s mother, and the other was from Druzolowski’s wife. Deputies arrived on the scene and attempted to save his life, but he was officially pronounced dead at the scene. The whole ordeal was witnessed by Ford’s 8-year-old son, who, according to Ford’s mother, was “running around and screaming ‘my daddy’s shot! My daddy’s shot!’” 

Druzolowski tried to claim that it was self-defense, though Ford had not threatened him. He claimed that Ford’s “reputation” of trouble with the law frightened him. In addition, two knives were discovered by Ford’s body. Ultimately, Druzolowski was booked on a charge of 2nd degree murder and is currently being held without bond in the Volusia County Branch jail awaiting an initial court appearance.