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.
BROOKLYN PARK, MN – Newly released video footage captures the moment a small aircraft crashed into a home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities have yet to confirm the number of individuals on board or the extent of any injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has verified that the aircraft went down near Noble Parkway and 109th Avenue North, sparking a fire upon impact.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing flames engulfing a portion of the house as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Fire crews have since extinguished the blaze, and while the home remains standing, officials noted that the roof was completely torn off due to the crash.
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft departed from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa and was en route to Anoka County–Blaine Airport in Minneapolis before it went down.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and details regarding the plane’s occupants have yet to be released.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the incident, stating that his administration is closely monitoring developments.
“My team is in touch with local officials on the scene in Brooklyn Park, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” Walz wrote on X. “Grateful to the first responders answering the call.”
Dramatic video from the crash site shows thick smoke billowing from the residence as firefighters work to contain the flames.
Emergency medical personnel were also seen on-site, though no official statements have been made regarding casualties or survivors.
Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.