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.
Crime
Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton charged with the murder in stabbing of her boyfriend Darius Montreal Boglin
A 43-year-old woman from Bessemer has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend earlier this month, according to authorities.
Court records show Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton, 43, is charged with the murder of Darius Montreal Boglin, 45.
Carlton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on March 5 and is currently being held without bond.
Officers with the Bessemer Police Department were dispatched at approximately 7:49 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, to the 3100 block of Avenue B following reports of a stabbing.
According to Detective Justin Burmeister, responding officers arrived at the scene and discovered Boglin suffering from a stab wound in a driveway.
Emergency responders attempted to assess his condition, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Authorities said Carlton was still present at the location when officers arrived and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators confirmed that Carlton and Boglin were involved in a dating relationship.
Charging documents allege that the fatal incident occurred during an altercation when Boglin allegedly grabbed Carlton from behind, at which point she stabbed him, resulting in his death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411 or 205-481-4366. Tips can also be submitted through the department’s tip line at 205-428-3541, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.