Man, 80, Found Shot to Death, Along with Wife and Son in Apparent Double Murder-Suicide: Reports

An 80-year-old man allegedly shot his wife and son to death before killing himself in an apparent double murder-suicide in Florida, according to reports.

James Sheridan, 80, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound alongside another man and woman shot to death at a home in Pompano Beach on the evening of Wednesday, March 19, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) said in a news release. 

The other victims were later identified as Colleen Sheridan, 71, and Connor Sheridan, 31, according to a March 24 news release from the sheriff’s office. NBC 6 South Florida, CBS News and WPLG reported that Colleen and Connor were James’ wife and son.

Broward County Regional Communications received a welfare check call at the residence at approximately 7:17 p.m. and deputies arrived to find “two vehicles parked in the driveway,” per the release. Neighbors had called in after noticing the vehicles parked outside the home for “several days,” according to WLPG.

“A deputy requested Pompano Beach Fire Rescue respond to assist with gaining entry into the residence,” BSO said. “Emergency crews located three individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds … [and] James Sheridan, who appeared to have suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” The three people were pronounced dead at the scene, per BSO.

The family moved to Florida from New York in the 1990s and worked at the St. Vincent thrift store nearby, NBC 6 South Florida and CBS News reported. Connor worked in real estate, according to multiple outlets.

At the time of their deaths, the thrift store had a note on the front door that said it would be closed “until further notice,” NBC 6 South Florida reported.

“It’s shocking. I don’t understand it. I hope we can make sense of it,” family friend Anita Horten said, as noted by WLPG.

Neighbor Lauren Goltz told NBC 6 South Florida, “[They] were very quiet people. We saw them coming and going, just a wave. Nobody really knew them.” She said the family had been renting at the home “for about a year.”

Friend Marie Alicata said it’s “hard to accept” the loss of Coleen. “She was such a loving mother and they were a nice family unit,” she said, according to NBC 6 South Florida. 

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St. Coleman Catholic Church in Pompano Beach is handling the funeral arrangements for Colleen and Connor, per CBS News.

The BSO’s Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Unit are continuing to investigate the case.

PEOPLE has reached out to the BSO for further comment but did not immediately hear back.