Children Call 911 to Report Father Shooting Mother, Leading to Tragic Consequences

August 26, 2024

FLORIDA: A heart-wrenching scene played out in St. Cloud, Florida, on Saturday when two children, aged 10 and 24, called 911 to report a horrific crime: their father, Jose Manuel Otero-Fontanez, had shot their mother. The incident led to a tense standoff with police, ultimately resulting in the suspect's arrest and the tragic loss of a life.

According to WESH, Otero-Fontanez, 48, opened fire on responding officers in the Hanover Lakes community, forcing them to deploy a drone to assess the situation. The suspect even fired at the drone, prompting a hostage negotiator to intervene and establish phone contact with Otero-Fontanez. After a tense negotiation, the suspect surrendered, allowing police to enter the residence.

Tragically, officers found the victim deceased in the bathroom. The couple's children, who made the distressing 911 call, were present in the house but escaped physical harm.

St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke expressed his department's sorrow, stating, "Our hearts go out to the children who lost one of their parents here tonight. We will be working with them to ensure they receive the resources they need to cope with this devastating event."

Otero-Fontanez was booked into the Osceola County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond.

The investigation is ongoing.