WARNING: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
MIAMI, FLORIDA: In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Maria Cruz de la Cruz, a 51-year-old elementary school instructor and devoted mother, was tragically killed in a murder-suicide that unfolded in Palmetto Estates, just south of Miami, on Friday afternoon, September 1.
The harrowing incident occurred around 4.20 pm on the ill-fated day when police responded to a distressing call. Detective Angel Rodriguez of the Miami-Dade Police Department provided a statement to the New York Post, confirming the grim details.
Inside a residence, Maria Cruz de la Cruz was discovered shot, and alongside her, there was a second male victim, who also had gunshot wounds. The identity of the male victim has not been disclosed, and authorities have not yet provided information on his condition.
Amid the chaos and tragedy, another woman present in the home miraculously emerged unscathed.
Maria Cruz de la Cruz and the injured male victim were swiftly transported to Jackson South Medical Center, where, despite valiant efforts, Cruz succumbed to her injuries.
The assailant, whose identity remains concealed, was found dead at the scene, having taken his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The firearm lay ominously on the ground beside him.
Detective Angel Rodriguez somberly declared, "Detectives have determined this is a murder-suicide." The gravity of the situation was evident as investigators combed through the scene, striving to piece together the events that led to the shooting.
Surveillance cameras captured the heart-wrenching aftermath of the crime, showing the unharmed survivor and another woman conferring with officers in the wake of the tragedy, as reported by WSVN.
Who was Maria Cruz de la Cruz?
Maria Cruz de la Cruz's dedication to education and her students was evident in her role as a math teacher at Doral Academy K-8 Charter.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established in her memory, where heartfelt tributes have poured in. At the time of her untimely death, Cruz had been a stalwart member of the school community for nearly a decade.
The fundraising page states, "A beloved teacher who showed unwavering love and dedication to our students for nearly a decade. Let us come together for her two daughters as they navigate this extremely difficult time."
Principal Eleanora Cuesta, deeply affected by the loss, conveyed her condolences, saying, "Her compassion, commitment, and love for her students have left an indelible mark on us all. In these difficult times, our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with her daughters. May the memory of our beloved Maria Cruz be a blessing."
As of Monday morning, September 4, the GoFundMe campaign for Maria Cruz de la Cruz's family had garnered over $29,000 in donations, a testament to the outpouring of support from the community she touched with her warmth.
Community reacts to tragedy
Neighbors in Palmetto Estates, still grappling with the shock of the incident, revealed that the occupants of the house where the tragedy unfolded were newcomers to the area. The sound of gunshots rang out, shattering the tranquility of the neighborhood, prompting a swift call to 911 by a vigilant resident.
A neighbor, who lives just a few doors down from the scene, told NBC6, "We didn’t know what to expect because [the police] were coming out of their cars with their guns drawn. We were pretty nervous and scared not knowing who was really living in our neighborhood. You don’t know what the neighbors are capable of; it could have happened outside, and someone could have gotten hurt innocently. I just hope that nothing like this ever happens again."
Raidel Munoz, another neighbor, expressed his astonishment at the unfolding events, remarking, "This area being blocked off is quite a surprise, to say the least. Noticed a bunch of ambulances coming by, firefighters, helicopter, then I came outside to see what was going on. Quite very concerning. I never expected something like this so close to my home."
The investigation into this heart-wrenching incident is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers can be reached at 305-471-TIPS, where tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
