Written By: @dawnnnyy_
Ezequiel Almodovar seemed like the average man. He had a good job, loved his kids, and adored his wife. Yet, most ordinary people can be hiding the biggest things. Almodovar was one. On Thursday night, police officials broke into the Almodovar residence to the chilling scene of four deceased people. Allegedly, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer shot and killed his wife and two sons before turning the gun on himself.
Police forced entry into the Orlando home around 3 p.m. after receiving a concerning report. According to Sheriff John Mina, neighboring residents were concerned about the safety and well-being of the family. The only surviving family member was Fluffy, their dog, who was shaken up, nonetheless.
This incident is all the more shocking because just on Tuesday, the family took a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On Facebook, Ezequiel wrote, “Family time…we needed this…no school, no work, no adult bulls — just family time enjoying life through eyes of kids…love you, baby.”
Ezequiel even gushed over his wife on Valentines Day, “Happy Valentine’s Day to my forever valentine!!! Masielis Soto-Almodovar. Today is the say of love, but there are not enough days for me to show you how much I love you and how much you mean to me today and every day!!!!”
Bruce Lewis, Almodovar’s former brother-in-law, told WFTV that Ezequiel was not a violent man. “He wasn’t doing drugs. He didn’t use substances, so I don’t know what possessed him to be in a state of mind.”
According to Sheriff Mina, there are no further suspects and there is no threat to the community. Diane Sabatino, the director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Tampa and Miami, told ABC News that CBP is “currently working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that any information needed for their ongoing investigation is made available.”
In regards to the tragic loss, she added, “CBP’s Miami & Tampa Field Offices are saddened to learn of the deaths of one of our officers, who before taking his own life, took the lives of his wife and two children (Ezequiel Jr., 16 and Gabriel, 12). We are devastated by this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”
