Okeechobee County, FL – A peaceful Sunday afternoon turned tragic on July 27, 2025, when a double homicide claimed the lives of Debbie and Purvin Evans, a cherished couple from Fort Pierce who were spending time at their weekend home in Okeechobee County. The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) identified the shooter as Paul Scott Wier, a 51-year-old resident of Okeechobee, who was killed in a subsequent exchange of gunfire with deputies.
**The Incident
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the OCSO received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and a man dressed in black running through the Brindaban Forest community, located in the 2800 block of SE 47th Terrace, with a rifle. Witnesses reported hearing around 15 gunshots before law enforcement arrived. Upon reaching the scene, deputies discovered Debbie and Purvin Evans, who had been fatally shot while sitting on the front porch of their home.
Deputies quickly located the suspect, identified as Paul Scott Wier, and issued repeated commands for him to drop his weapon. Wier, however, refused to comply and opened fire on the deputies, prompting them to return fire. Wier was struck, airlifted to HCA Lawnwood Medical Center in Fort Pierce, and later pronounced dead due to his injuries. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad was called to the scene due to concerns about possible explosive devices, though no such devices were confirmed.
**The Victims: Debbie and Purvin Evans
Debbie and Purvin Evans were a devoted couple who had been together for 17 years, having celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary just weeks before the tragedy. Family members described them as loving, generous, and deeply connected, often seen working, fishing, and spending time together. Purvin, known for his outgoing personality and willingness to help others, was a stucco worker who had spent much of his life contributing to the Fort Pierce community. Debbie, described as quieter but equally kind, was considered the perfect complement to her husband.
“They were very beautiful people, loving, caring,” said Linda Evans, Purvin’s sister. “He was the type that would give you the shirt off his back. His wife was just as sweet, worked hard all his life.” The couple, who primarily lived in Fort Pierce and were remodeling a second home in Okeechobee, leave behind six children, several grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Their sudden loss has left the community reeling, with neighbors and friends creating a makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and notes at the Evans’ home.
**The Suspect: Paul Scott Wier
Paul Scott Wier, the identified shooter, had a documented history of criminal activity and mental health issues. In 2004, Wier was arrested in Palm Beach County on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and grand theft, but he was acquitted by reason of insanity. He also had a prior conviction for heroin possession, for which he served prison time. Authorities have stated that Wier had no recent interactions with local law enforcement, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation. A family member of the victims suggested on social media that Wier suffered from mental illness and described him as “an angry man” who targeted the couple without apparent provocation.
**Law Enforcement Response
The five OCSO deputies and one Okeechobee Police Department officer involved in the confrontation with Wier have been placed on administrative leave, per standard protocol, pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The OCSO is leading the investigation into the double homicide, while the FDLE examines the officer-involved shooting. Sheriff Noel E. Stephen addressed the tragedy, stating, “This was a shocking and senseless act that has left families grieving and our community shaken. Our deputies responded with professionalism and courage under fire. We remain focused on supporting the victims’ families and bringing clarity to this investigation.”
**Community in Mourning
The Brindaban Forest community, typically a quiet and close-knit neighborhood, has been deeply shaken by the violence. Neighbors expressed shock and fear, with some reporting bullet holes in their homes from the suspect’s gunfire. “I’m still shaken,” said resident Veronica Diaz. “My kids usually play outside in the front yard. What if I was in the front yard while all this happened?” Another neighbor, Christopher Hanner, described the community as one where people “stick to themselves” and noted the unusual nature of such a violent incident.
The Evans family has received an outpouring of support, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to assist with funeral expenses and to honor the couple’s legacy. Family members and friends remember Purvin for his ability to bring smiles and Debbie for her quiet strength, emphasizing their profound love and commitment to each other.
**Summary
– **Victims: Debbie Evans and Purvin Evans
– **Suspect: Paul Scott Wier, 51, deceased following a shootout with deputies
– **Location: 2800 block of SE 47th Terrace, Brindaban Forest community, Okeechobee County, FL
– **Incident Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
– **Investigation Status: Ongoing, with the motive still unclear
– **Law Enforcement Response: Deputies returned fire after Wier shot at them; Wier was fatally injured
As the OCSO and FDLE continue their investigations, the Evans family and the broader Okeechobee community are left seeking answers and healing. The memory of Debbie and Purvin Evans, a couple known for their kindness and love, will endure in the hearts of those who knew them, as their loved ones call for justice and peace in the wake of this unimaginable loss.
