A devastating act of violence unfolded on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in the quiet Brindaban Forest subdivision of Okeechobee, Florida, leaving three people dead, including a beloved Fort Pierce couple and a gunman who was killed in a shootout with law enforcement.
The victims, identified as Purvin Evans and his wife, Debbie Evans, were longtime residents of Fort Pierce who frequently visited their second home in Okeechobee for relaxation. According to family members, the couple was sitting peacefully on their front porch when they were fatally shot in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.
“This is my second cousin, Purvin Evans,” a relative shared in a heartfelt social media tribute. “He and his wife Debbie were gunned down in cold blood yesterday afternoon, sitting on their porch, just minding their own business. Fort Pierce lost two beautiful souls.” Purvin was well-known in the Fort Pierce community for his decades-long career in stucco construction, and the couple cherished their Okeechobee retreat as a place of solace away from city life.
Chief Deputy Michael Hazellief of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) reported that deputies responded to a call about gunfire in the Brindaban Forest community at approximately 1:35 p.m. Upon arrival, they encountered a male suspect dressed in all black and armed with a rifle or long-barreled firearm. The suspect immediately opened fire on the deputies, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was struck, received immediate medical attention, and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His identity has not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.
Deputies discovered the bodies of Purvin and Debbie Evans, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds, on the property. Investigators believe the couple, neighbors of the suspect, were deliberately targeted, though the motive for the killings remains unclear.
Due to concerns that the suspect may have left explosive devices at the scene, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called in to assist, ensuring the safety of first responders and residents. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office also provided resources to support the response efforts, a gesture Chief Deputy Hazellief noted with gratitude, highlighting the immediate aid from neighboring agencies.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, as is standard procedure. The five OCSO deputies and one Okeechobee City Police officer involved in the shootout have been placed on administrative leave pending the FDLE’s findings. Meanwhile, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a separate homicide investigation into the deaths of Purvin and Debbie Evans.
“This is a tragedy in many ways,” Hazellief said during a press briefing. “We are trying to discern the why—why would this happen, why would somebody do this act? And we don’t have those answers.”
Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the investigations by both the FDLE and OCSO remain active as they work to uncover the circumstances and motives behind this heartbreaking incident.
