Merrie Garcia Berrios, a 35-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on June 15, 2019, in Winter Park, Florida. The incident occurred at The Park Apartments on Park Promenade Drive. According to reports, the Orange County Sheriff's Office received a distress call from out of state, indicating that a man inside the apartment was threatening a woman and three children. Upon arrival, deputies heard multiple gunshots and discovered three individuals with gunshot wounds.
Merrie Garcia Berrios was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 1-year-old child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital in stable condition. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Ezequiel Umpierre Plasencia, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
The investigation revealed that Merrie Garcia Berrios, a Hispanic woman, had been in contact with the caller, who reported that Plasencia had threatened to kill anyone if he saw the police. This tragic event was not the first instance of violence involving Plasencia and Garcia Berrios. In November 2018, Plasencia was charged with domestic violence after allegedly grabbing, throwing, and pushing Garcia Berrios onto a bed. However, the case was dropped due to a lack of information.
Following the incident, the Orange County Sheriff's Office launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The two additional children present in the apartment were turned over to family members, and victim advocates from the Sheriff's Office provided support to the affected family. The investigation aimed to uncover the motive behind the shooting and to determine the sequence of events that led to the tragic death of Merrie Garcia Berrios.
The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of a young child and the history of domestic violence between the victim and the suspect. As the investigation progressed, authorities focused on gathering evidence and testimonies to build a comprehensive understanding of the incident. The community mourned the loss of Merrie Garcia Berrios, and efforts were made to ensure the safety and well-being of the surviving children.
