Three Family Members Found Dead at Florida Home, 5-Year-Old Girl Lucky to Survive

In the quiet of a Florida evening, a five-year-old girl became the sole survivor of a family tragedy that authorities say unfolded in a burst of domestic violence, leaving three women dead and a community reeling.

A domestic-violence shooting in Hilliard, Florida, on July 24 tragically claimed the lives of three family members, leaving a five-year-old girl as the lone survivor, authorities said. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Christopher Bobby Rowell, was also discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the shooting at the family's home on West 12th Avenue.

Sheriff Bill Leeper called the incident "tragic" and "heartbreaking" during a Friday morning news conference. Deputies determined the victims were 32-year-old Marissa Leara Rowell (the child's mother and the shooter's wife), her sister, 33-year-old Alisha Lael Fogarty, and their 71-year-old mother, Sandra Gayle Fogarty.

According to Sheriff Bill, the little girl was in the back of the house when she heard a gunshot. As she moved down the hallway, she encountered one of the victims on the floor. "Another female grabbed her, put her in the bathroom," the sheriff said.

The child escaped, ran to a neighbor's home, and got help. Deputies arrived shortly and found one woman lying in blood between the living and dining areas. A second woman was discovered in the bathroom, and a third in a bedroom.

Christopher was nearby with a faint pulse and an SKS-style rifle beside him. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he reportedly died days later.

The family has launched a GoFundMe, organized by Dane Antkowiak on behalf of the victims' cousin, Steven Hallmark. The campaign is to cover cremation expenses for the three deceased women. The fundraiser also aims to cover attorney fees and long-term support for the child.

Steven spoke with First Coast News, expressing deep grief and a sense of betrayal. "He took the lives of three beautiful women," he said. "This selfish act that he has done, you know, he did not deserve them."

Steven learned about the shooting on Thursday night, but it wasn't until the next morning realized who the shooter was. "I was at work listening to the radio, and I had heard the shooter's name. As soon as I heard his name, my heart just skipped, I knew instantly," he said.

The grieving cousin added, "My aunt just bought a house, and they were in the process of moving. Marissa was going to be leaving him, taking the kid."

He also highlighted a pattern of abusive behavior from Christopher: late-night drinking, yelling, threats, trying to kick Marissa out of the house, and neglecting involvement with the child.

Steven further disclosed that his family has not been allowed contact with the child, and the little girl is in the custody of Christopher's mother, adding:

"My aunt Sandy, she gave up her whole life in Tennessee to move down here to take care of them and the baby. She'd always wanted a grandkid. Marissa was just so happy to be a mom. She was just so happy. That's all. She always wanted a baby [sic]."

Steven said the shooting highlights the importance of seeking help:

"Please go get help. You know, don't just sit on it. Don't keep it in. Just go speak to someone. Get it out there because something like this happening is devastating."

Neighbor Laurence Duster said the incident has left the community shaken. The sheriff's office continues to investigate. More details are expected to be shared in the coming days.

As investigators work to piece together the final moments leading up to the tragedy, the small Florida town is left to mourn three cherished lives and rally around a child whose world was upended in an instant — a stark reminder of the devastating toll domestic violence can take on families and communities.