5 Dead in Florida, Victims of Murder-Suicide by Mother
Authorities in Florida responding to a 911 call early this morning were horrified to find five people dead, including four children. While a motive and exact details are unknown, the community of Port St. John is reeling from the news.
In a news conference moments ago, Lt. Tod Goodyear confirmed the five deaths of four children ages 12 to 17 and their mother. According to Goodyear, a call came in to 911 at approximately 5:00 a.m. Neighbors had been awakened by three of the children who had been shot; the teens then returned back to their home.
Joel Johnson, 12; Jazlin Johnson, 13; Jaxs Johnson, 15; and Pebbles Johnson, 17 were all found by authorities. Their mother, 33-year-old Tanya Thomas, is believed to have shot and killed them all before turning the gun on herself.
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When authorities arrived on the scene, they found one woman dead on the front lawn and heard four gunshots before entering the home. Those four bodies were discovered after the SWAT team entered the home.
Right now authorities are beginning the hard task of investigating the crime scene and tending to the victims' family. Goodyear explained that they "have no idea on motive. Evidence has been collected," he stated.
"The investigation is ongoing and very sensitive with five fatalities," Maj. John Mellick said in a public statement. "The scene is secure and there is no further threat to the community."
"If it becomes necessary, we are fully prepared to support the schools in whatever capacity necessary," spokeswoman Christine Davis told local Orlando news.
Police had previously been called to the residence for a domestic disturbance, though Goodyear would not provide further detail. The children's father has been notified but was not living in the home at the time of the killing.
