LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — Pasco County deputies are trying to make sense of an apparent murder-suicide that left a mother and two children dead in Land O’ Lakes Wednesday evening.
Authorities were alerted to the incident after the father, whose name has not been released, came home and found his 9-month-old, 3-year-old, and wife dead, according to Seargent Michael Rosa with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
A statement from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office said, “It appears that a mother took the lives of her two children.” Deputies said the mother then took her own life.
During a Thursday press conference, Seargent Rosa said, “it appears to be a possible mental health illness involving the female, but that’s all I can release at this time.”
Deputies added there had not been any prior incidents involving the immediate family.
“People in relationships have arguments,” Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said. “Some people take it a little harder than others. Instead of reaching out and seeking help, people make horrific decisions and it looks like last night somebody made a decision that is beyond horrific.”
“If you are leading up to a crisis, there are resources out there,” Sheriff Nocco added.
Deputies said they believe all parties are accounted for and there is no threat to the public.
If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay can be reached by dialing 211. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 800-273-8255.