A domestic violence shooting in Hilliard, Florida, left three women dead and a five-year-old girl as the only survivor. Authorities say 34-year-old Christopher Bobby Rowell fatally shot his wife, Marissa Rowell, her sister, Alisha Fogarty, and their mother, Sandra Fogarty, before turning the gun on himself. The incident happened on July 24 at the family’s home, where the child managed to flee and seek help from a neighbor.
Sheriff Bill Leeper called the case “heartbreaking,” explaining that the child was in another room when she heard gunfire. A family member pulled her into a bathroom for safety before she escaped. Deputies arrived to find the victims inside the home, while Rowell was discovered nearby with critical injuries and later died in the hospital.
Relatives say Marissa had planned to leave Rowell and move into a new home. According to cousin Steven Hallmark, there had been a history of abuse, including late-night arguments and threats. A GoFundMe has been launched to cover funeral costs and provide long-term support for the child, who is now in the custody of Rowell’s mother.
Neighbors say the tragedy has deeply shaken the small community. Authorities continue to investigate as loved ones remember the three women as caring and devoted, and urge anyone in abusive situations to seek help before it’s too late.