Mother Accused in Apparent Murder-Suicide That Left Two Children Dead in Lakewood Ranch Home
A 44-year-old mother is accused of killing her two children before taking her own life inside a home in the Lakewood Ranch community Thursday evening, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. to a residence in the 8200 block of Pavia Way in Lakewood Ranch to conduct a welfare check at the homeowner's request, who was out of town. Upon arrival, deputies observed circumstances that prompted them to enter the home.
Inside, deputies found the woman and her two children deceased. Investigators said the children, ages 14 and 11, were found in separate rooms and died from homicidal violence. The mother was located in another room.
Preliminary information indicates that all parties involved have been accounted for and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Authorities described the scene as violent but did not release specific details about how the deaths occurred.
Detectives continue to process the scene and review evidence. The sheriff’s office reported that deputies had not previously responded to the home. The official causes and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner.
The identities of the mother and children have not yet been released, and investigators have not disclosed a possible motive.
Authorities say the children’s father, who was traveling in South America, returned Friday morning and was notified of the deaths.
The investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as they become available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.