ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A domestic incident at an Orange County apartment complex ended in tragedy Friday evening when a father shot his two young children before taking his own life, according to local authorities.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded at approximately 6:30 p.m. to the Palmetto at Lakeside apartments, located in the 4400 block of S. Rio Grande Avenue. The initial emergency call warned of an armed man chasing a woman through the area.
Upon arrival, deputies located the woman. While she was physically uninjured, she expressed immediate, deep concern for the safety of her children who were inside a nearby apartment.
Events escalated rapidly as law enforcement moved toward the residence.
“As deputies approached the apartment, they heard several gunshots,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “They made entry and found two young children — ages 1 and 2 years old — who had been shot. Deputies rendered aid on scene, and the children were transported to the hospital where, tragically, they both died from their injuries.”
Inside the apartment, deputies also discovered the body of the children’s father. Authorities stated he died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community. Reflecting on the standard response to the incident, the sheriff’s office added, “Our hearts are aching as we share this news with you tonight.”
The investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the shooting remains active.
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