Fla. man allegedly killed pregnant partner, unborn child, and himself in front of several people
07/24/2023 11:36 am PDT
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) -- The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspected murder-suicide that reportedly left a 21-year-old pregnant victim and a 26-year-old man dead last week.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a fatal shooting occurred Friday, July 21, shortly after 7 p.m., near a home on Central Avenue West in the Inwood area of Winter Haven. Riley Groover allegedly fatally shot the victim multiple times, who was eight months pregnant, before turning the gun on himself in front of several people.
First responders and hospital staff attempted lifesaving measures, but neither the unborn baby nor the mother could be saved.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators have determined this was a domestic-related incident.
Family members reportedly told officials the couple has argued in the past and the disputes have become physical, but none of the incidents were reported to authorities.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement, "This was a violent and horrific double murder that ended the lives of a 21-year-old woman who was eight months pregnant, and her unborn baby. When the suspect became enraged, family members and neighbors did everything they could to help her get away from him. Please keep this family in your prayers."
Groover has been arrested before for aggravated assault and domestic violence, records show.
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