Manatee Couple, Teen Girl Dead Following Apparent Murder-Suicide

BRADENTON, FL — Three people are dead following an apparent murder-suicide inside a Bradenton home just after 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, James Bennett shot and killed his wife, Silvana Bennett, 35, and her daughter Andrea Barberena-Rojas, 16, inside their home on Griffith Park Terrace in Bradenton. Bennett then turned the gun on himself.

Deputies say Bennett's 76-year-old mother overheard her son and his wife arguing in another room. The argument was followed by several gunshots. When she entered the room, she found the couple dead. The 16-year-old was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries.

A 2-year-old child in the house at the time was not injured.

Barberena-Rojas attended Lakewood Ranch High School. Counselors are at the school today to speak to any student who wants to talk.

Image Tampa Police

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