The Gun Counter

2 killed inside Palm Bay home identified
By Andrea Dennis
Shooting happened after 1 a.m.
UPDATED 5:34 PM EST Dec 04, 2013

Witnesses said two people were trying to force their way into a Palm Bay home early Wednesday morning when they were shot dead by the homeowner, according to police.

According to authorities, shortly after 1 a.m. they were called to a home in the 600 block of Thuringer Street Northwest on reports of shots being fired inside the home.

Police said they found two men, 26-year-old Sean Pino and 21-year-old Dylan Kane dead inside the home when they arrived.

Images: Authorities investigate shooting

Stephen Wright, 23, was identified as the shooter.

According to Wright, the men had a weapon and were extremely aggressive.

Several people were inside the house when the shooting happened and say the shooting was in self-defense, but officials said they are still investigating.

"The homeowners had met the deceased individuals through a mutual acquaintance and at some point the individuals tried to force their way into the house, is what we are being told," said Palm Bay Police Chief Dough Muldoon. "The homeowners were a little concerned and subsequently defended themselves and shot those individuals."

Watch: Police chief discusses double homicide

Neighbors say they were not troublemakers.

"They are good kids," said neighbor Norvell Hill. "I believe they were defending themselves. They are not the type of people to cause problems."

Police didn’t say if they found a weapon in a search of the home, and it might take a few days to make a decision on whether to arrest Wright.

Pino had an extensive criminal arrest record that includes multiple charges of burglary.

The homeowners were a little concerned and subsequently defended themselves and shot those individuals.