For decades, the suburbs surrounding Walt Disney World have been marketed as the ultimate safe haven for families. Millions of travelers every year trade the sterile environment of a hotel for the “home-away-from-home” feel of a short-term vacation rental in Kissimmee. However, that sense of peace was shattered by an act of violence so senseless it has sent shockwaves through the global tourism industry.
In what the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has officially classified as a “completely random” triple homicide, three tourists—all in their 60s and 70s—were gunned down in the driveway of their vacation home. The tragedy has left the quiet Indian Point community in mourning and has forced a difficult conversation about the safety of the “Disney Bubble” in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The Incident: A Nightmare on Indian Point Circle
The violence erupted shortly after noon on a clear Saturday. In the Indian Point subdivision—a neighborhood specifically designed for short-term rentals and just minutes from the theme park gates—a group of friends and family from Michigan and Ohio were preparing for their day.
According to Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, three men from the group were standing in the driveway of their rental at 296 Indian Point Circle. They were troubleshooting a mechanical issue with their vehicle when a neighbor emerged from a nearby residence.
Without any provocation, argument, or prior interaction, the individual allegedly opened fire with a handgun.
“Completely Random”: A Chilling Distinction
In many high-profile incidents, investigators look for a catalyst—a road rage dispute, a robbery gone wrong, or a domestic conflict. But in this case, the Sheriff was clear: there was no motive.
“This was a random killing,” Sheriff Blackmon stated. “These victims were simply standing in their driveway. They didn’t know the suspect; they hadn’t spoken to him. They were just people on vacation who were targeted by a violent individual for no reason we can yet identify.”
Honoring the Victims: A Family Devastated
The victims were identified as three men who had traveled to Florida to enjoy the warm weather and the local attractions.
- Robert Luis Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan.
- Douglas Joseph Kraft, 68, of Columbus, Ohio.
- A 68-year-old male friend from Ohio, whose name has been withheld pending further family notification.
The Kraft brothers were known in their home communities as “salt-of-the-earth” family men. The fact that they were killed while performing a mundane task like checking a car engine—in a neighborhood where thousands of children play every day—has made the tragedy even harder for the local community to process.
The Suspect: A History of Unstable Violence
The individual arrested in connection with the shooting, Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, 29, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. While the Sheriff emphasized the “randomness” of the act, the suspect’s history suggests he was a “ticking time bomb.”
In 2021, the same individual was arrested for an unprovoked shooting at a Wawa gas station in Kissimmee. In that case, he allegedly fired into random vehicles and at bystanders. 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 neighborhood for several years. This revelation has sparked outrage among local residents and tourism advocates, who are questioning how a known violent offender was permitted to live in the heart of a high-density tourist zone without more rigorous supervision.
The “Disney Bubble” Under Scrutiny
This tragedy has reignited the debate over the safety of Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs). Kissimmee is often called the “Vacation Rental Capital of the World,” and neighborhoods like Indian Point are vital to the region’s $90 billion tourism economy.
Resort Security vs. Residential Risk
For many Disney tourists, the “Disney Bubble” is more than just a brand—it is a feeling of security. When you stay “on-property” at a Disney resort, you are behind guarded gates with 24/7 security patrols.
“When you stay in a residential subdivision, you are essentially living in a normal neighborhood,” says security analyst Marcus Vance. “The ‘random’ nature of this crime is what makes it so terrifying for the tourism board. You can’t plan for ‘random.’ It suggests that the safety travelers expect near Disney isn’t always guaranteed once you leave the park’s main gates.”
Staying Safe: 2026 Vacation Planning Tips
While the suspect’s arrest has removed the immediate threat, the incident serves as a sobering reminder for travelers. If you are planning a trip to Orlando in 2026, experts suggest these steps to enhance your security:
- Look for Manned Security Gates: Subdivisions like Windsor Hills, Emerald Island, and Reunion have 24-hour manned gates that verify the ID of every person entering the community.
- Research Crime Density: Use tools like CrimeMapping.com to check for incidents in the specific ZIP code of your rental before you book.
- Situational Awareness: Even in a “safe” neighborhood, be aware of who is watching you during arrivals and departures.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure your policy covers trip interruption or cancellation due to unforeseen violent incidents in your immediate vicinity.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
As of Monday, January 19, 2026, the Indian Point subdivision remains under a cloud of grief. The suspect is currently being held at the Osceola County Jail without bond, facing three counts of Premeditated First-Degree Murder.
For the Kraft family, the magic of Orlando has been forever replaced by a nightmare. As the region works to restore its image of safety, the memory of the three men who lost their lives in a Kissimmee driveway stands as a heartbreaking call for better mental health oversight and a more vigilant look at the safety of the world’s most popular vacation destination.
Are you reconsidering your vacation rental choice after this event? Would you like a list of the most secure, gated communities near Walt Disney World for your next visit?
The judge should be removed from the bench, just like when Guiliani removed judge Lauren Duckman in NY. , and should be sued…. With a name like ” Jihad” what would you expect !!!!!