Crime
Murder-Suicide: 2 dead, 2 injured after shooting in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood
The suspect subsequently shot himself.
Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Division of Police Second District responded to a call for service regarding shots fired in the 2700 block of Natchez Avenue at approximately 5:00 PM.
Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims with gunshot wounds.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a 22-year-old male, later identified as the suspect, arrived at the location and became involved in a verbal argument with a 24-year-old female. During the altercation, the suspect opened fire, striking the female and two other individuals – a 21-year-old female and a 26-year-old male.
Officers were able to locate the suspect at the scene. As they approached, the suspect fled on foot, prompting a pursuit.
The suspect subsequently shot himself.
Emergency medical services responded and pronounced the 24-year-old female deceased. The other two victims were transported to the hospital. One victim is in stable condition, while the other is in serious but stable condition.
The suspect was also transported to the hospital and was later pronounced deceased.
The incident is currently being investigated as a murder-suicide. However, this information is subject to change as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.