On Wednesday, March 19, authorities discovered what they suspect was a double murder-suicide scene at a Pompano Beach home in Florida. According to authorities, 80-year-old James Sheridan allegedly shot his wife and son, Colleen and Connor Sheridan, 71 and 31 respectively, before turning the gun on himself.
Videos by Wide Open Country
As per a Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) news release, James Sheridan was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They reported a woman and another man dead at the scene who were shot dead. Outlets such as CBS News confirmed they were James's wife and son, Colleen and Connor Sheridan.
According to WPLG, neighbors requested a welfare check after noticing vehicles parked outside the Sheridan residence. The vehicle had been there for days. A subsequent news release issued on March 24, detailed that deputies arrived at approximately 7:17 p.m. on March 19. They found "two vehicles parked in the driveway."
"A deputy requested Pompano Beach Fire Rescue respond to assist with gaining entry into the residence," the news release 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." All three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. As per BSO, James Sheridan shot his wife and son dead before committing suicide.
Reactions
Many neighbors and friends reacted in shock after learning of the alleged double murder-suicide. Anita Horten, a Sheridan family friend, told WPLG that the incident was "shocking" and that she didn't understand it.
"I just want people to know she was one of the most amazing people. She had the biggest heart and we're gonna miss her," Horten told the outlet. "Connor was a great kid. I'm sure he had a great future ahead of him. Very smart bright young man."
Rosemary Rahill, Colleen's longtime friend, spoke about her friendship with Colleen with CBS News.
"The first time I met her, I felt I had known her all my life," Rahill said. "She was love. If there's anything we can take away, it's that she was always giving to the community, everywhere. She was an unbelievable person."
The St. Coleman Catholic Church in Pompano Beach, as per CBS News, will celebrate a funeral mass and burial for both Colleen and Connor Sheridan.
