Grand Jury Indicts DeLand Man in Connection with Joseph Spruck's Death
A Volusia County grand jury indicted a 27-year-old DeLand man on first-degree murder charges after investigators found Joseph Daniel Spruck dead from blunt force trauma; the suspect was already jailed on drug and probation-related charges.
On August 6, 2026, a Volusia County grand jury unanimously indicted Austin Kersey, 27, of DeLand, on one count of first-degree murder in the death of Joseph Daniel Spruck. Officers discovered Spruck deceased at his Tall Pine Terrace residence on May 18, 2026; the medical examiner determined he died from blunt force trauma to the head and noted defensive wounds. Kersey was arrested after Spruck’s gray Kia SUV was located at the Orange Tree Inn; searches recovered cannabis and a total of 28.2 grams of crack cocaine, resulting in a trafficking charge and additional probation and fleeing counts; he is being held without bond awaiting trial.