Four Children Orphaned After Father Kills Himself, Mother Found Dead By Police
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PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) - Police in Broward County are investigating a possible murder-suicide that took place at a home in Pembroke Pines.
A husband and father of four children shot and killed himself in front of police, who then found the dead body of his wife inside the home.
According to police, officers were dispatched to a residence near Northwest 6th Street and 76th Avenue on Tuesday around 9 a.m. after an anonymous caller advised that four juveniles who lived there had not attended school for a week. The caller was requesting a welfare check.
"The suspect in this case opened the front door and came outside and met with the officers," said Captain Al Xiques with Pembroke Pines PD. "The individual said 'The kids are getting ready for school and I hadn't take them because I've been drinking.'"
According to police, the man said he was going through a rough time because his wife had left him.
Police said they initiated a search of the man due to him constantly placing his hands in his pockets. At that time, he took out a firearm and shot himself in the head, per police.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
After checking inside the home, police removed four juveniles, all under the age of ten, and took them to a secure location. Police say they had no signs of physical injuries.
Continuing their search, police also found the body of an adult female that appeared to be deceased for several days.
The body was later confirmed to be man's wife, and both were identified as the parents of the four children. A cause of death has yet to be determined by authorities.
Police said the only thing that matters now is the children.
"We are working with the Department of Children and Families to ensure that they're going to be placed in a safe home tonight and for the days to come," said Captain Xiques.