A devastating shooting Wednesday night in Pembroke Park left a mother and three of her children dead, with the suspected gunman—identified as the father of two of the children—hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities say the incident occurred before 7:30 p.m. at an apartment near the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard. When police arrived, they discovered 32-year-old Julie Cruz and her three children—11-year-old Xion Solomon and 2-year-old twins Nova and Emery McKenzie—dead inside the home. An 8-year-old girl was also shot and remains in serious condition.
The suspect, 35-year-old Stephen McKenzie, reportedly shot the victims before turning the gun on himself. He is believed to be the father of the twins, though the exact nature of his relationship with Cruz remains unclear.
Neighbors described the family as quiet and close-knit. One, Juan Feliciano, recalled seeing them just an hour before the tragedy. “They looked like a happy family,” he said. Another neighbor, Beverly, remembered the father as a devoted parent, often seen taking his children to school. “You never know what people are going through,” she added.
The suspect’s stepmother, Deon McKenzie, expressed shock. “He was always respectful and loving to children,” she said. “He must have been going through something.”
Authorities continue to investigate what led to the horrific act, which has left the community shaken and grieving.
