Crime & Safety

2 Toddlers Fatally Shot By Their Father In Orlando, Authorities Say

Authorities said the father shot the two children before turning the gun on himself.

ORLANDO, FL — Two toddlers died in Orlando on Friday night after authorities said they were shot by their father, who later turned the gun on himself.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the 4400 block of South Rio Grande Avenue around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a call about a man with a gun who was chasing a woman.

When deputies arrived, they made contact with the woman, who was not injured, but she said she was concerned about the safety of her children in a nearby apartment.

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As deputies approached the apartment, they heard several gunshots, authorities said. They entered the residence, where they found two young children, ages 1 and 2, suffering from gunshot wounds.

Deputies rendered aid on scene, and the children were transported to the hospital, where they both died from their injuries.

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The children's father was also found inside the apartment, authorities said, dead by what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the community.

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