Crime
Christopher Rowell kills 3 women, shoots himself in Hilliard home, 5-year-old daughter able to escape
Sources have confirmed that one of the victims is Marissa Rowell, Christopher Rowell’s wife.
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A man fatally shot three women inside a Hilliard home Thursday evening before turning the gun on himself in a suspected murder-suicide, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
During a Friday morning press conference, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper described the incident as both “tragic” and “heartbreaking.”
The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. at a residence on West 12th Avenue.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when a 5-year-old girl reportedly walked from the home to a neighbor’s house and informed them that 34-year-old Christopher Rowell had killed three women inside.
Deputies quickly responded and entered the residence. While conducting a search of the home, officers discovered a woman lying in a pool of blood between the living room and dining room.
As deputies rendered aid to the victim, they noticed Rowell nearby, also lying in blood with a gunshot wound to the head.
An SKS-style rifle was found beside him.
Deputies noted that Rowell still had a faint pulse and immediately called for medical assistance.
Further searching revealed two additional female victims—one located in a bathroom, and the other in a bedroom.
All three women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Leeper confirmed that the women were related in some capacity, though he declined to specify the nature of their relationships pending official family notifications.
However, sources have confirmed that one of the victims is Marissa Rowell, Christopher Rowell’s wife.
Christopher Rowell was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, where he remains under medical care. His exact condition has not been updated.
The 5-year-old girl, who miraculously was not physically harmed in the attack, is now in the custody of relatives.
Sheriff Leeper described the child as “a very strong and beautiful little girl” who is understandably in shock from the traumatic ordeal.
“This little girl has endured something no child should ever have to witness,” Leeper said. “She is going to need love, support, and a lot of help in the coming years. I just ask everyone to please keep her in your prayers.”
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is expected to release additional details as the case develops.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.