Six die in suspected murder-suicide attack in southern Florida
September 28th, 2010 - 12:52 am ICT by BNO NewsRIVIERA BEACH, FLORIDA (BNO NEWS) — Six people were killed on early Monday morning and a seventh person was injured after a suspected murder-suicide attack in southern Florida, police said.
Shortly after 2 a.m. EDT, a police officer on a routine patrol was investigating a suspicious vehicle parked at the corner of Avenue “M” and West 30th Street. He then heard what sounded like muffled gunshots, said Rose Anne Brown, a spokeswoman for the Riviera Beach Police Department.
Brown said the officer called for back-up and then observed a male exit a residence as he approached 1225 West 30th Street. “Upon seeing the officer, the male raised a hand gun and shot himself,” she said.
The suspected gunman was identified as 41-year-old Patrick Dell. Inside the home, officers found Dell’s estranged wife - 36-year-old Natasha Whyte-Dell, and seven children. Five of the children were Mr. Dell’s step-children and two were the biological children of he and his wife.
“Mrs. Whyte-Dell and four children were pronounced dead at the scene,” Brown said. “All had been shot.”
One 15 year-old male was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where he is being treated for a gun shot injury to his neck. The other two children were not hurt and are being cared for by relatives. “They are believed to be 1 and 3 years old,” Brown added.
The children who were killed were identified as 11-year-old Javon Nelson, 10-year-old Daniel Barnett, 14-year-old Bryan Barnett and 13-year-old Diane Barnett.
The motives for the shooting were not immediately known but police believe Dell acted alone. “This is a sad day for Riviera Beach.” said Police Chief Clarence Williams. “Many families have been tragically impacted by this unfortunate incident. We offer our condolences to the family and will conclude this investigation as soon as possible.”
Chief Williams also commended the work of the police officer who alerted officers after hearing what he believed were gunshots. “Had it not been for excellent police work, this suspect could have escaped the scene and possibly injured or killed other innocent victims,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Riviera Beach Police at (561) 845-4123 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.
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