Lawsuit Alleges Sex Abuse by Murdered Palm Bay Priest Against Diocese

In Palm Bay, Florida, the murder of Father Robert "Bob" Hoeffner in January 2024 has led to a $25 million lawsuit against the Diocese of Orlando alleging a coverup of his sexual abuse of children. Shawn Teuber, an alleged victim and childhood friend of Hoeffner's killer Brandon Kapas, claims he was molested by the priest from 2012 to 2014 and that the diocese was aware of the abuse but failed to act. Kapas killed Hoeffner, Hoeffner's sister, and his own grandfather before being killed by police, with investigations revealing a folder containing detailed notes on child sexual abuse in Hoeffner's home. The lawsuit asserts negligence by the diocese and the associated church and school, accusing Hoeffner of being a prolific abuser who used his position to groom victims, sometimes coercing them through confession. Teuber, who disclosed his abuse to police shortly after the killings, has spoken publicly about the trauma and hopes to encourage other victims to come forward. The Diocese of Orlando has not publicly acknowledged the allegations, while investigations and legal proceedings continue.