For generations, the area surrounding Walt Disney World has been viewed as a safe haven—a place where the only “danger” is a long queue or a sudden afternoon thunderstorm. Families from across the globe flock to the vacation rentals of Kissimmee and Osceola County, seeking the comfort of a home-away-from-home just minutes from the theme park gates.
However, that sense of security was irrevocably shattered. In what the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is calling a “completely random” and senseless act of violence, three tourists were gunned down in the driveway of their vacation home. The incident has left the local community reeling and has prompted international headlines regarding the safety of the “Disney Bubble.”
The Incident: A Nightmare in the Indian Point Subdivision
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 12:00 p.m. in the Indian Point (often referred to locally as Indian Hill) subdivision. This neighborhood is a staple of Central Florida’s tourism economy, known for its sprawling short-term rental properties that cater to families visiting Disney World and Universal Orlando.
According to Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, a group of friends and family from Michigan and Ohio were nearing the end of their Florida vacation. Three of the men in the group—all in their 60s and 70s—were standing outside their rental property at 296 Indian Point Circle. They were reportedly troubleshooting a mechanical issue with their vehicle when a neighbor emerged from a nearby residence.
Without any prior interaction, argument, or provocation, the individual opened fire.
The “Random” Factor
Initial reports in the heat of the moment suggested a possible traffic dispute or “road rage” incident. However, Sheriff Blackmon was quick to clarify during a somber press briefing that this was far from the truth.
“This was not a case of road rage. This was not a dispute over a parking spot,” Blackmon stated. “This was a random killing. These victims did not know the shooter, and the shooter did not know them. They were simply in their driveway when a violent individual decided to take their lives.”
Honoring the Victims: Lives Cut Short on Vacation
The victims were identified as members of a close-knit group that had traveled to Florida to enjoy the parks and the warm winter weather.
- Robert Luis Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan.
- Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio (Robert’s brother).
- A 68-year-old male friend, also from Ohio, whose family has requested privacy during this time.
Neighbors in the brothers’ home states described them as “kind, adventurous men” who looked forward to their annual trips to Florida. The fact that they were killed while performing a mundane task—fixing a car—in a place meant for joy has added a layer of profound grief to the tragedy.
The Investigation: Who is the Suspect?
While the shooter’s name has been identified as Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, the focus of the investigation is currently on how such a violent individual was able to remain in a quiet residential neighborhood.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled back into his residence, which was located directly next to the rental property. A massive police presence, including SWAT teams and armored vehicles, descended on Indian Point Circle. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
A Troubling Legal History
What has shocked the local community even more than the “random” nature of the crime is the suspect’s history. In 2021, the same individual was arrested for a shooting at a Wawa gas station in Kissimmee. In that incident, he allegedly fired multiple rounds at a person and several vehicles.
Despite being charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder, he was ultimately acquitted by reason of insanity. He had been living back in the Indian Point subdivision for several years before the events of January 17. Investigators are now looking into what, if any, mental health monitoring was in place at the time of the triple homicide.
The Impact on the “Disney Bubble” and Vacation Rentals
This incident has sent shockwaves through the short-term vacation rental (STVR) market. Kissimmee is the “Vacation Rental Capital of the World,” and neighborhoods like Indian Point are essential to the region’s $90 billion tourism industry.
The Safety of Off-Site Stays
For many tourists, the appeal of staying “off-property” is the ability to live in a real neighborhood. However, this tragedy highlights the reality that these neighborhoods are shared spaces between transient tourists and permanent residents.
“When you stay at a Disney-owned resort, you are behind a secure perimeter with 24/7 security,” says travel analyst Elena Rodriguez. “When you stay in a residential subdivision, you are subject to the same risks as any other neighborhood. This ‘random’ act is a nightmare scenario for the tourism board because it suggests that nowhere is completely safe from erratic violence.”
Security Tips for Orlando Tourists in 2026
While it is impossible to predict a “random” act of violence, travelers can take steps to increase their peace of mind when booking offsite accommodations:
- Prioritize Gated Communities: Look for subdivisions that feature 24-hour manned security gates (such as Windsor Hills or Reunion). These gates monitor every vehicle and individual entering the area.
- Use the “Street View” Tool: Before booking, use Google Maps to look at the surrounding properties. Look for well-maintained homes and signs of active neighborhood watch programs.
- Check Crime Maps: Utilize resources like CommunityCrimemap.com to see the frequency of police calls in a specific ZIP code before finalizing a rental.
- Install Portable Security: Many frequent travelers now use portable door locks or “Ring” cameras that can be temporarily mounted to keep an eye on the exterior of their rental.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
As of Monday, January 19, 2026, the Indian Point subdivision remains quiet as residents and tourists alike process the weekend’s horror. The suspect remains in the Osceola County Jail on no-bond status, facing three counts of Premeditated First-Degree Murder.
For the families of Robert and Douglas Kraft, the “Most Magical Place on Earth” will forever be associated with an unimaginable loss. This “random” tragedy serves as a reminder that even in the heart of a vacation paradise, the complexities and dangers of the real world are never far away.
As the tourism industry works to reassure travelers, the memory of the three men who lost their lives in a Kissimmee driveway will serve as a call for increased vigilance and a deeper look into the systems meant to protect both residents and visitors.
Are you reconsidering your choice of vacation accommodation after this incident? Would you like a list of the highest-rated gated communities with 24/7 security near Disney World?
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