ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman and a man died Wednesday after both were found shot inside a Pine Hills apartment in what is believed to be a murder-suicide, according to sheriff’s officials.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the home at the Residences West Place Apartments in the 700 block of Sherwood Terrace Drive around 10:10 a.m. after someone reported a man with a gun inside the home.
While deputies were responding, a caller told dispatchers that the man had fired his gun, according to a news release. Deputies said they heard more gunfire as they arrived on scene.
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Inside the apartment, a man and a woman, later identified as 22-year-old Yaseen Justus Thomas and 25-year-old Brisna Alcenat, were both found suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the release. Investigators said Thomas appeared to have shot Alcenat before shooting himself in the head.
Deputies added that an innocent bystander in their apartment was also grazed by one of the suspect’s bullets and treated on scene.
Thomas and Alcenat were taken to a hospital, where they later died.
Investigators said they are not looking for any outstanding suspects.
The management company behind Residences West Place Apartments released the following statement after the shooting.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at our community today. The police believe the incident was the result of a domestic dispute and does not pose a threat to the community at large. We have little other information surrounding the circumstances of the incident and are cooperating with the Police Department as they conduct a full investigation. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. At this time, our primary focus is to provide support to our community, staff, and residents.”
Natalie Dent, Director of Corporate Communications at BH Management Services
The BH Management Services spokesperson also said the company recently asked police to increase patrols in the area and increased its 24/7 on-site courtesy patrol.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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