A Florida family is mourning after a mother was shot and killed at home while her 10 year old daughter was logged on to a Zoom call for the first day of remote learning, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting happened on Tuesday in Indiantown, Florida. Sheriff William Snyder told reporters that the girl’s teacher heard a commotion and profanity in the background of the call and recognized it as a possible domestic altercation. The teacher muted the call, and the screen went dark shortly after.
Authorities identified the victim as Maribel, 32. Deputies said she was shot in front of her children and two young cousins who were in the home. The sheriff said the suspect, a 27 year old man named Donald, was Maribel’s ex and went to her home to confront her about a Facebook video.
According to the sheriff, Donald left the scene on a bike and then boarded a city bus, where he told the driver to go to a different neighborhood than her route. The driver contacted police. Donald was arrested soon after, and the sheriff said he gave a full confession.
He was charged with murder along with other felony counts, and deputies said additional charges including armed burglary and armed home invasion were expected. As with any case, the charges are allegations until proven in court.
Maribel’s children, who range in age from 10 to 17, will need a new place to live, authorities said.
In a statement, Warfield Elementary School and the Martin County School District offered condolences to the family and said a grief team had been sent to support students and staff.
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