Tragedy in Pembroke Park: Mother and Three Children Fatally Shot

A horrific act of violence unfolded in Pembroke Park when Stephen McKenzie fatally shot his estranged girlfriend, Julie Cruz, and three of her young children before turning the gun on himself. Authorities confirmed Monday that McKenzie died at the hospital on Thursday.

The shooting took place Wednesday night at an apartment complex near Hallandale Beach Boulevard. Cruz, 32, was killed alongside her children—11-year-old Xion Solomon, 2-year-old Nova McKenzie, and 2-year-old Emery McKenzie. Cruz’s 8-year-old daughter, Phiinyx Solomon, survived but remains hospitalized.

Family members revealed that Cruz had planned to leave McKenzie and move out that weekend. Her mother, Irma Denisse, expressed heartbreak, saying, “She was a hardworking mom, devoted to her children. I miss them terribly. It feels like a nightmare.”

The tragedy shocked the community. Cybele Rivera, who taught the toddlers, described them as “happy, rambunctious little two-year-olds.” Educators at ECB Educational K-8 Center, where Xion and Phiinyx were students, also mourned the loss.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting.