A woman and her unborn baby died Friday in an apparent double murder-suicide in Winter Haven, according to reports citing Polk County authorities.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said 26-year-old Riley Groover shot the 21-year-woman multiple times in front of several people in their neighborhood on Central Avenue West, WFLA reported. Groover then killed himself, reports said.
Police said Groover was in a relationship with the victim, who was 8 months pregnant, according to WFLA.
Despite efforts by first responders and hospital staff, the woman’s unborn child also died.
According to a WTSP report citing authorities, Groover was previously arrested for aggravated assault and domestic violence.
“This was a violent and horrific double murder that ended the lives of a 21-year-old woman who was 8 months pregnant, and her unborn baby,” Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement obtained by WTSP. “When the suspect became enraged, family members and neighbors did everything they could to help her get away from him. Please keep this family in your prayers.”