Natasha Plummer, a 25-year-old African American woman, was tragically murdered on January 15, 2012, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Alongside her, her 6-month-old son, Carlton Stringer Jr., and her 21-year-old roommate, Octavia Barnett, were also found dead in their apartment. The discovery was made by a friend who went to check on them after not hearing from them for some time. The Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed that all three victims had been shot to death. The motive behind the killings was initially unclear, and the police did not immediately release details about how the murders were carried out or any potential suspects.
The investigation into the murders revealed that Lineten Belizaire, a 20-year-old man, was the primary suspect. Belizaire was arrested and charged with the murders of Natasha Plummer, her son Carlton Stringer Jr., and Octavia Barnett. According to the arrest report, a Facebook post by Barnett shortly before the murders indicated that Belizaire was at the front door of their apartment. Additionally, cell phone triangulation placed Belizaire near the crime scene at the time of the murders, contradicting his alibi that he was at a casino miles away.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Belizaire had a contentious relationship with Barnett, who was believed to be the mother of his child. Friends of Barnett told investigators that Belizaire did not want her to give birth to the child and had pressured her to get an abortion. The only survivor of the triple murder was Barnett's 11-month-old son, who was found unharmed in the apartment. The child was placed in foster care while the Department of Children and Families worked to find suitable relatives to take custody.
The case garnered significant media attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of a young child. The community was shocked and mourned the loss of Natasha Plummer, her son, and Octavia Barnett. The investigation and subsequent arrest of Belizaire provided some closure to the grieving families, but the pain of their loss remained palpable. The trial and legal proceedings continued as the families sought justice for the victims.
