KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A grand jury has recommended that 29-year-old Ahmad Jihad Boje be charged with three counts of first-degree murder following a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of three men in Osceola County.

Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell announced Thursday that the grand jury returned an indictment on three capital felony counts, each representing one of the victims. If convicted, Boje could face capital punishment.

The Victims

The three victims — Robert Craig, Douglas Craig, and James Pouchin — were staying at a rental home in Osceola County when the shooting occurred. They were visiting Osceola County to attend Mecum Auto Auctions. Authorities say the men were waiting for roadside assistance when Boje allegedly opened fire.

“Three men lost their lives in our community. Our commitment is to their families, to the integrity of this prosecution,” Worrell said during the news conference.

She emphasized that while the charges are serious, her office will handle the case methodically and without outside influence.

“We will not rush the process, we will not politicize it and we will not compromise it,” Worrell added.

Death Penalty Review Possible

The State Attorney’s Office confirmed the case will undergo review by a capital case panel to determine whether the death penalty is appropriate. It remains unclear when that decision will be finalized.

Boje is scheduled to return to court in April for a competency hearing. Worrell clarified that competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility are separate legal issues.

“It’s important to understand that competency and criminal responsibility are two separate issues. Just because someone is found incompetent doesn’t mean that they won’t eventually have their case taken to trial,” she explained.

Prior Legal History Raises Questions

The case has also drawn attention due to Boje’s prior arrest in 2021, when he was accused of shooting at a person and random vehicles at a Kissimmee gas station. In that case, a judge later acquitted him by reason of insanity.

Following Boje’s recent arrest, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized Worrell’s office, alleging the earlier case was not prosecuted aggressively enough. Worrell has maintained that her office followed the law in handling the 2021 matter.

Community Impact

The tragic deaths of three men have deeply impacted the Osceola County community. As the legal process moves forward, prosecutors say their focus remains on securing justice for the victims and their families.

Positively Osceola will continue to follow this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.