Double Murder-Suicide Kills Mom Of 4 Kids In Polk County: Sheriff

POLK COUNTY, FL — Four children in Polk County lost their mom and dad to a double murder-suicide that occurred at the family's house over the weekend in Poinciana, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The dad, 34-year-old Jesus Nunez, had been in a relationship with 38-year-old Stephanie Ruiz, whom he shared four children with, for 14 years. Family and friends who were at their home Saturday said the more alcohol and cocaine Nunez consumed throughout the day, the greater his temper increased, investigators said.

Investigators were told by witnesses that the suspect had been growing paranoid about his relationship with Ruiz, and had become controlling. At about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, a woman who had been at the house told authorities she woke up to Nunez shooting at a man, 38-year-old Yunieki Luis, who was inside their living room. Deputies said then Nunez broke down a bedroom door and fatally shot his girlfriend before he went outside and shot himself in the head. Luis also died as a result of the shooting, according to police.

"When you combine excessive amounts of alcohol, illegal drugs, and an explosive jealous temper, murder can occur," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "In addition there are seven children and other family members whose lives will never be the same. None of this should have ever happened. Please keep these families in your prayers.”

Detectives said autopsies will be conducted to determine exact causes of death, but at this time, this appears to be two homicides committed by Nunez, who then shot and killed himself.

If you are thinking about suicide, or know someone who is considering it, please visit Suicide Prevention.