Florida murder suicide: Andrea Barberena-Rojas, Silvana Bennett killed by James Bennett
In another shocking murder suicide in Central Florida, Andrea Barberena-Rojas and her mother, Silvana Bennett have been identified as the victims in the horrific events late Sunday, killed by James Bennett.
According to investigators, James Bennett, shot and killed Silvana Bennett, 35, and her daughter, Andrea, 16, inside a home located at 11606 Griffith Ter. on Sunday.
Deputies explained that James’ mother, 76, heard the man arguing with his wife in another room. The woman told authorities she then heard several gunshots.
Emergency crews provided aid when they got to the scene, but the girl later died.
“They were obviously having some problems, maybe marital problems, and we are hearing from the mother of the suspect who was in the home, that it was a pretty bad argument,” said Randy Warren, Manatee County Sheriff’s Department.
“I am horrified that this individual would choose to take the lives of his wife and her child,” DCF Interim Secretary Rebecca Kapusta said in a statement.
The agency says it is supporting the sheriff’s office as it investigates the tragedy and will review any interactions the family had with the child welfare system.
A spokesman for the School District of Manatee County says Barberena-Rojas attended Lakewood Ranch High School. A crisis team is at the school Monday.
News Channel 8 spoke to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay after the tragedy. CEO and President Clara Reynolds says the office takes 100 to 200 calls for suicidal people in Hillsborough County each week.
Andrea Barberena-Rojas
