Death by Cop 2022-2024
Search fatalities
You can use any or all of the fields to refine the search.
Joseph Difusco
Gender : Male
Age :
Race : White
Date : 11/28/2024
Location : 5500 block of Ocean Shore Boulevard, Kingston Shores condominiums
City : Ormond Beach
County : Volusia
State : Florida
Agency : Volusia County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) :Unknown
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during a mental health crisis response
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On November 28, 2024, deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a suicidal individual at the Kingston Shores Condominiums in Ormond-By-The-Sea, Florida. The individual, identified as 56-year-old Joseph DiFusco, a veteran from Connecticut with a history of mental health issues, was staying in an Airbnb rental.
.
Initially, around 4 a.m., deputies made contact with DiFusco, who declined medical assistance. Approximately two hours later, DiFusco began firing hundreds of rounds into neighboring condominiums and at responding deputies.
.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office SWAT team was deployed, and residents were evacuated for safety. Despite attempts at negotiation, DiFusco continued firing, targeting negotiators and SWAT vehicles.
.
Armed with multiple firearms, including a shotgun, handgun, and a tommy gun, DiFusco retreated to a back bedroom. After deploying tear gas without success, a SWAT sniper fatally shot DiFusco to protect the community and law enforcement personnel.
.
NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 fatality.
.
Last Update: November 29, 2024
