Julie Cruz, a 32-year-old Hispanic woman, was tragically killed in a shooting on the evening of March 26, 2025, in Pembroke Park, near Hallandale Beach Boulevard. The incident occurred at approximately 7:36 p.m. when authorities received reports of gunfire at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered six individuals suffering from gunshot wounds inside the residence.
Cruz and three of her children—11-year-old Xion Solomon, 2-year-old Nova McKenzie, and 2-year-old Emery McKenzie—were pronounced dead at the scene. Her 8-year-old daughter, Phiinyx Solomon, was critically injured but survived and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators identified the suspect as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, a Black male, who was found at the scene with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. McKenzie was Cruz’s estranged partner and the father of two of her children, Nova and Emery. Authorities revealed that Cruz had been planning to leave McKenzie and move out of their shared residence that weekend. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but family members indicated that Cruz had expressed concerns about her relationship with McKenzie in the past.
Following the shooting, McKenzie was taken into custody at the hospital, where he was receiving medical treatment. However, on March 31, 2025, officials confirmed that McKenzie had succumbed to his injuries. The case has been classified as a domestic violence-related homicide, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. Cruz’s mother, Irma Denisse, spoke publicly about her daughter’s devotion to her children, describing her as a hardworking and caring mother who prioritized her family’s well-being.
The Pembroke Park community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with neighbors and educators expressing their grief over the loss of Cruz and her children. Teachers who had interacted with the young victims recalled their joyful and energetic personalities, emphasizing the devastating impact of the incident. The surviving child, Phiinyx Solomon, remains hospitalized as she recovers from her injuries. Authorities urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support from local resources to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
