Bartow Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend And Shooting Roommate

BARTOW, FL — A 33-year-old Bartow man is accused by police of killing his girlfriend and shooting a roommate at their apartment on Sunday morning, said the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, Christopher Pequeen, shot the victims following an argument that occurred before 8:40 a.m. with his girlfriend, according to authorities.

Pequeen's girlfriend went into the roommate's bedroom after the argument and told her that she was in fear of her life and wanted a restraining order against Pequeen, deputies said.

Witnesses told investigators that Pequeen went inside the roommate's bedroom and pointed the gun at the roommate, the roommate's boyfriend and the girlfriend, law enforcement officials said.

According to detectives, the suspect hit the roommate in the face with the gun and then shot his girlfriend multiple times.

The roommate shielded the girlfriend with her body, and Pequeen shot her, too, investigators said.

Pequeen had taken all three of their cell phones, according to police.

The roommate's boyfriend got out of the apartment uninjured and went to a nearby apartment to call police, detectives said.

Officers said Pequeen ran from the apartment but that deputies were able to catch him shortly afterward.

The girlfriend died at a local hospital, authorities said.

Investigators said the roommate was last listed in stable condition.

“This is an example of how horrific domestic violence can become," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Christopher Pequeen is a coward and a murderer. We will do everything we can to make sure justice is done in this case."

Pequeen was arrested on the following charges, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office:

• First-degree murder
• Attempted first-degree murder
• Shooting into a building
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill
• Robbery with a firearm
• Tampering in felony life proceeding
• Battery of a police dog
• Resisting an officer without violence