On the evening of March 26, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred at an apartment complex located at 3181 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Pembroke Park, Florida. Among the victims was 2-year-old Nova McKenzie, a male child of African American descent. Nova was one of four individuals fatally shot in the incident.
The suspect, 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, was the father of both Nova and another 2-year-old victim, Emery McKenzie.
Stephen McKenzie also fatally shot his estranged partner, 32-year-old Julie Cruz, and her 11-year-old son from a previous relationship, Xion Solomon. An 8-year-old girl, Phiinyx Solomon, also Cruz's child from a previous relationship, was critically injured but survived the attack. Stephen McKenzie attempted to take his own life following the shootings and was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on March 27, 2025.
The Broward Sheriff's Office reported that the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation. However, family members indicated that Julie Cruz had been planning to leave Stephen McKenzie due to ongoing issues in their relationship. Cruz's mother, Irma Rivera, stated that her daughter had confided in her about experiencing mental abuse and had plans to move out during the upcoming weekend.
Neighbors and community members expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. One neighbor recounted hearing multiple gunshots and children's screams, followed by silence. The community has since come together to mourn the loss of the victims and support the surviving family members.
As of now, there have been no arrests in connection with the case, as the suspect, Stephen McKenzie, died from his self-inflicted injuries. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
