Father kills self, 3-year-old son in Coconut Grove high-rise condo building, police say
MIAMI -- A Miami businessman who pleaded guilty two years ago in connection with an international bribery and money laundering scheme on Wednesday night fatally shot himself and his 3-year-old son at the man's Coconut Grove condo building, authorities said.
Police have identified the man as Jose Manuel Gonzalez Testino, 53, and his 3-year-old son as Jose Manuel Gonzalez.
Both were found dead Wednesday of gunshot wounds around 8 p.m. inside Grove at Grand Bay Condominiums, located at 2669 Bayshore Drive, according to police.
"They are trying to determine what caused him to take his life," Miami police Officer Mike Vega said. "And more than that, what caused him to take his 3-year-old's life, which is an innocent child."
Police said the man was divorced and his son lived with his mother but the boy had been staying with his father since Monday.
According to Reuters, the man was snared in a 2020 federal probe in which over two dozen businessmen sought to secure contracts with Citgo and its Venezuelan parent through bribes.
Miami police confirmed to CBS Miami that the man who pleaded guilty three years ago was the same one found dead Wednesday evening.
The news service said the businessman made payments to bank accounts in the names of shell companies located in Panama and Switzerland.
Reuters reported that Testino admitted he and co-conspirators paid at least four Citgo officials and provided gifts to a senior Citgo executive for help winning energy and logistics contracts.
The man pled guilty to bribery charges and he was facing sentencing later this month..
According to a federal press release, the man was a dual U.S./Venezuelan citizen who also had a Miami home.
A family member became concerned when they had not heard from the father. Vega told CBS4's Peter D'Oench "There was concern from the family member who had not heard from the father in some time."
When police arrived at the building, where units can cost up to $9 million, a family member was able to break down the door on the 19th-floor apartment, where they found the two bodies.
Vega said "The family member broke the door down and then they were located."
"I heard a horrible scream, like nothing I have ever heard before and minutes later sirens," one resident told CBS Miami. "I think it was tragic. What can I say? It is the most horrific thing I have ever heard."
"I think it is tragic," said Sharon Goldwasser, who was staying on the eighth floor. "My heart goes out to the family. Oh my God to be in such a place to do something like that. It is just unbelievable."