Woman kills husband and 10-year-old son in murder-suicide, Florida cops say
Three people are dead in what Florida authorities are calling a double murder-suicide.
Around 4:15 p.m. Jan. 31, deputies were called to a home in Sebring, according to a Facebook post by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. A neighbor was concerned after the residents of the home hadn’t been seen in several days, deputies said.
Inside the home, authorities found evidence that indicated a 54-year-old woman shot and killed her 63-year-old husband and her 10-year-old son, the sheriff’s office said. She then took her own life, according to authorities.
“Detectives are working to piece together what led up to this tragedy,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “I want to encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health to please ask for help. You can call 988 to speak to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time, and there will be someone waiting to assist you.”
Up to 600 murder-suicides happen each year, according to the FBI. They account for about 1,000 deaths a year.
“Although uncommon, such incidents vary widely in terms of the persons involved, how they are related, and where the crimes take place,” the FBI reported. “Usually, law enforcement personnel deal with murder-suicides involving two people in domestic settings or relationships.”
About 65% of murder-suicides involve intimate partners, officials said, and 81% happen in the home.
Authorities have not released the names of the man, woman or child.
Sebring is about a 90-mile drive southeast of Tampa.
This story was originally published February 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Woman kills husband and 10-year-old son in murder-suicide, Florida cops say."
