Mother Accused of Killing 2 Children in Florida Murder-Suicide

Authorities say the 44-year-old woman killed her 11-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son before taking her own life.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A mother is accused of killing her 11-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son before taking her own life in an apparent murder-suicide at their family home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Deputies found the three deceased individuals after a welfare check was requested by the homeowner, who was out of the country at the time. Authorities say there is no further threat to the community and that the family had no prior incidents at the address.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shocked the Lakewood Ranch community, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the deaths of the mother and her two children. The case highlights the need for greater awareness and resources around mental health challenges that may contribute to such devastating acts of violence within families.

The details

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the family's home around 8:30 p.m. on February 26 after the homeowner requested a welfare check. Inside, they found the 44-year-old mother and her two children - an 11-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son - all deceased. Authorities described the scene as "violent" but said there is no indication that anyone else was involved.

  • The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Deputies responded to the home around 8:30 p.m. local time.

The players

Manatee County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the incident.

The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch

The community where the family lived, which released a statement expressing condolences.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We really don't know all that was in her frame of mind. But we are very confident all the parties that were involved in this are accounted for.”

— Randy Warren, Manatee County Sheriff's Office (Fox 13)

“There's really nothing there that would have indicated this would have happened.”

— Randy Warren, Manatee County Sheriff's Office (Fox 13)

What’s next

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the medical examiner's office will continue investigating the incident to determine the official causes of death.

The takeaway

This tragic murder-suicide has left the Lakewood Ranch community in shock and raises urgent questions about the mental health challenges that may have contributed to such a devastating act of violence within a family. As authorities investigate the circumstances, there is a need for greater awareness and resources to support families and prevent such tragedies in the future.