Paula Portillo, a 59-year-old Hispanic woman, was tragically killed on September 4, 2017, in Tallahassee, Florida. She was found dead alongside her 19-year-old daughter, Rosario Sanchez, at their home on Mastic Lane. The incident was a result of a domestic violence dispute involving Malik Wade, the father of Sanchez's toddler. Wade, who was 19 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated homicide, kidnapping, and child neglect.
The events leading to the
deaths of Paula Portillo and Rosario Sanchez were harrowing. Wade had gone to the home to visit Sanchez, and an argument ensued. During the altercation, Sanchez shoved Wade, prompting him to pull out a handgun. Portillo, who was present and trying to protect her daughter, was shot multiple times by Wade. After shooting Sanchez in the chin, Wade continued to fire, hitting her several more times, including in the back. He then forced Portillo and his daughter from the bedroom to the living room sofa while he cleaned up the scene. Wade prevented Portillo from leaving and eventually shot her as well, turning up the TV volume so his daughter wouldn't hear the gunshot.
Wade's actions following the murders were equally disturbing. He placed Sanchez's body in the bathtub, poured bleach over her, cleaned the walls and floor, and then wrapped her in blankets. He tucked his daughter into bed and left her in the house for more than 13 hours with the bodies of her mother and grandmother. Wade fled to Donalsonville, Georgia, but was later apprehended and transported back to Tallahassee, where he confessed to the killings.
The case against Wade included charges of premeditated homicide, kidnapping, and child neglect. Court records revealed that Wade had a history of aggression and impulsive behavior, with a previous attempt by his father to have him committed under the Baker Act due to concerns about his mental health. Despite these concerns, a judge had denied the order.
The deaths of Paula Portillo and Rosario Sanchez highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for increased awareness and support for victims. The community of Tallahassee mourned their loss and called for greater efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
