The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office confirmed Tuesday that an investigation on Otter Creek Road in Sopchoppy is a double homicide investigation.John Luper and Rebecca Thomas died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds. Followi ng the homicides, their bodies were moved and concealed in different locations.Capt. Brett Surace of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office described how the investigation unfolded."On Sunday at about 9 p.m., it would have been August 2. Our deputies went to 740 Otter Creek Road on an investigation. The investigation kind of got legs and got bigger and bigger, and they were on scene for many, many hours into the next day. The ultimately, the investigation revealed that two individuals had been murdered, and their bodies have then been moved after they have been murdered to a subsequent other location to conceal them from being found," Surace said.Surace also addressed whether a suspect was in custody, noting the case does not appear to be a random crime."You'll see sometimes a lot of carjackings and random crimes and stuff there. People that don't know anybody, and somebody just randomly comes up, robs them, or shoots them. This is different, as most crimes in Wakulla County, where the perpetrator and the suspects are known to one another," Surace said.The family said John's body was recovered buried in the yard."From there, we learned that my uncle's body was recovered, buried in the yard. It was not recovered in the house," Marilyn Paul, John's niece, said.John's sister, Rhonda, described the impact of his death on the family."That is my baby brother. That is the only brother I have left. My mom is brokenhearted. I'm brokenhearted," Rhonda said."It feels terrible because my brother would have done anything for anybody. If you speak to any of these gentlemen that are out here helping us today, my brother would have given that he was the one," Rhonda said.The family said they have been working nonstop since gaining access to the property around 6 or 7 p.m. Monday, going through everything that remains, searching for legal documents such as titles for equipment, and assessing what survived the fire.Paul said the family is calling on anyone with information to come forward."We're just looking for anybody that has information to come forward," Paul said.The family and the sheriff's office are asking anyone with information related to this investigation to contact the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office.John, Rebecca, and their dog will forever be missed, the family said.UPDATE: 3:06 p.m. AUGUST 4, 2026 The Wakulla County ORIGINAL STORY: Sheriff's Office confirm they are actively investigating the death of two people at a home on Otter Creek Road in Sopchoppy as a double-homicide.According to the WCSO, detectives determined that Rebecca Lynn Thomas, 58, and John William Luper III, 49, died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives further determined that, following the homicides, the victims bodies were transported and concealed in separate locations.There was also a structure fire, deputies say, is being investigated separately.WCSO say this is still an fluid and active investigation and more information will be released when it can be shared.ORIGINAL STORY:The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office has not released any information about an investigation on Otter Creek Road in Sopchoppy that left two people dead.WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW: Two dead in Sopchoppy criminal investigation as family waits over 15 hours for answersFamily members identified the victims as John Luper and his girlfriend Rebecca. A dog was also killed.Family said they waited over 15 hours to get any information about what happened to their loved ones. Deputies told them about the deaths around 4 p.m.The law enforcement presence on Otter Creek Road wrapped up around 6 or 7 p.m. Monday.After deputies left, family members allowed ABC27's Serena Davanzo onto the property. The victim's sister, Ronda, did not want to speak on camera but shared her reaction to seeing her brother's destroyed home."It's hard to even see this," Ronda said."He is my only baby brother, my only other sibling. I have nobody; my mom has lost two boys," Ronda said.She said Rebecca's family was also at a loss.This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.Like us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram and X. ...read more read less