A mother is accused of killing her 11-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son before taking her own life
Lakewood Ranch home after three family deaths
Credit: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
NEED TO KNOW
A mother and her two children are dead following an apparent murder-suicide at their family home in Florida
The mom is accused of killing her 11-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son before taking her own life
“There’s really nothing there that would have indicated this would have happened,” a local police officer said
A mother and her two children are dead following an apparent murder-suicide at their family home in Florida.
At around 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 26, deputies went to a home in Lakewood Ranch to do a welfare check, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said in a news release. The homeowner, who was in South America at the time, requested the welfare check after struggling to contact his wife and children.
Deputies entered the property based on observations they made from outside, the news release said, and they found a 14-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl dead in separate rooms, while their 44-year-old mother was also found deceased in another room.
“We really don’t know all that was in her frame of mind. But we are very confident all the parties that were involved in this are accounted for,” said Randy Warren of the MCSO, according to Fox 13.
“There was no one else who entered the home or left the scene. As tragic as this is, it is really unimaginable that two children were killed in their home by a parent, and then she proceeded to take her own life,” he added.
Lakewood Ranch family home
Credit: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
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The names of the deceased individuals have not yet been shared publicly. A local medical examiner has yet to determine the official causes of death.
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A preliminary investigation suggests there is no further threat to the community, the MCSO said.
Warren said the mother and children’s deaths were a “violent scene,” Fox 13 and WFLA News Channel 8 reported.
“We have no incidents at this address. What we have discovered [is] that the family moved here from out of state, from Missouri, about 3 years ago, and we have not been out here for any calls,” said Warren, per Fox 13.
“There’s really nothing there that would have indicated this would have happened,” he added.
Scene of the incident
Credit: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
In a statement provided to Fox 13, the Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch, where the family lived, said, “We are aware of a tragic incident that occurred within The Lake Club.”
“At this time, the matter remains under investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office,” the statement continued. “We do not have additional information to provide.”
“Our hearts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time. As this is an active investigation and out of respect for those involved, we will not be providing further comment,” the statement concluded.
The MCSO and the Lake Club did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, Feb. 28.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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